On March 29, voters in Ouachita Parish will face a critical decision as they cast their ballots on four constitutional amendments and several property tax renewals. These measures will shape the future of our parish and state, affecting everything from local services to the balance of power in our government. After careful consideration, we offer the following endorsements to guide voters in making informed choices.
Constitutional Amendments: A Resounding “No”
All four constitutional amendments on the ballot have been approved by the Louisiana Legislature but face opposition from Senator Katrina Jackson, Representative Adrian Fisher, and Representative Pat Moore. We stand with these leaders in urging voters to reject these proposals, which threaten fairness, transparency, and the well-being of our communities.
- Amendment 1: Vote No
This amendment is a blatant power grab dressed up as an ethics reform. It would empower entrenched politicians to target out-of-state attorneys with ethics complaints for political reasons and create special courts to discipline judges who don’t toe the line. This undermines judicial independence and opens the door to abuse. Our state deserves a legal system rooted in justice, not cronyism. - Amendment 2: Vote No
A Trojan horse of hidden tax hikes and spending cuts, this amendment would impose taxes on churches and nonprofits while capping funding for vital services like education and healthcare. Its vague language conceals dozens of provisions designed to benefit special interests at the expense of taxpayers. We cannot afford to gamble with our community’s future. - Amendment 3: Vote No
Currently, our constitution specifies which serious crimes—like murder—allow minors under 17 to be tried as adults. This amendment would scrap that clarity and hand lawmakers unchecked power to decide. Such a shift risks inconsistent and politically motivated decisions that could harm our youth and erode public trust. Let’s keep this authority where it belongs: in the constitution. - Amendment 4: Vote No
This proposal would rush judicial vacancy elections to low-turnout dates rather than waiting up to 12 months for higher-participation elections, as is current practice. Democracy thrives on broad voter input, not backroom maneuvers that favor insiders. We should protect fair representation, not undermine it.
Property Tax Renewals: A Mixed Bag
The Ouachita Parish Police Jury, backed by Jurors Lonnie Hudson and Rev. Micheal Thompson, has placed several tax renewals on the ballot to fund essential services. While most deserve support, one falls short of earning our trust.
- Parish Library Tax: Vote No
This 7.64-mill renewal would fund the parish library system for another decade. However, the promise of a new Carver/McDonald Branch—made during the last renewal—went unfulfilled, replaced instead by an 18th Street Branch. The current ballot offers no guarantee beyond verbal assurances, which have proven unreliable. If this tax fails, it can be resubmitted in months with a firm commitment to Carver/McDonald, effective in 2026. Let’s hold the system accountable and demand results, not rhetoric. - Green Oak Property Tax: Vote Yes
The 2.90-mill renewal for the Green Oaks Detention Center is a necessary investment in public safety. This facility plays a vital role in our parish, and its operations must remain funded. We endorse its passage.
A Call to Action
Ouachita Parish voters have a chance to safeguard our community’s values and demand accountability from our leaders. Reject the flawed constitutional amendments that threaten fairness and transparency. Support the tax renewal for the Green Oaks Detention Center but reject the library tax because of broken promises in the past.
On March 29, let’s vote with clarity and purpose for a stronger, fairer Ouachita Parish.
