Recreation district deer stand question arises
March 29, 2018
Anna Evangelists
March 30, 2018
The woman chosen by retired district attorney Cam Morvant to do his job until an election could be scheduled was chosen by Lafourche voters to continue her work, at least until 2020 when another election is held.
Kristine M. Russell, who ran with no party affiliation, was elected as Lafourche Parish District Attorney Saturday.
She defeated Brad K. Naquin. the Thibodaux City Court Prosecutor, who ran as a Republican, Russell won 52 percent of the vote (9.534 votes) compared to Naquin’s 48 percent (8,708). They were the only two candidates on the ballot.
“I want to thank the citizens of Lafourche Parish. I’m very excited, and I am so humbled by how many of you have come out and voted,” F said Russell through her Facebook page. “I’m very excited to hit the ground running on Monday morning as usual as your district attorney. Thank you again… I’m looking forward to serving you.”
The total number of qualified voters was 58,493. The majority were registered as Democrats, 24,509 (41.9%)Republicans had 18.026 qualified voters (30.8%) All other qualified voters numbered 15,968, (27.3%).
Russel has served as interim
District At barney since November 3, when Morvant retired ue to health concerns.
Russell was the as an assistant district attorney from 2003 through 3312. and first assistant district attorney from 2012-2017.
Before the election. Russell said that the alternatives to incarcerations or diversions from the criminal justice system, utilized during Morvant’s administration, had merit. She said that_ where appropriate, she planned to use a full palette of diversions to better fit the needs of victims or prevent re-victimization.
She noted that drug court rules are set by the state, and therefore cannot be improved upon by one district attorney. She farther said that she intended to continue working closely with law enforcement to recognize trends in criminal activity.
Russell’s success would appeal- to upend criticism leveled at her during the race, that she was hand picked by Morvant and that the people deserved to make their own choice.
Some members of the local bar had opined prior to election day that a large number of early votes boded well for Naquin. although that turned out not being the case.
Early voting resulted in 4.435 people casting votes in person, of a total 4,493 early voters, or TJ percent. More than 56,000 were eligible to vote in this election altogether.
Both candidates spoke veil of each other, citing that “clean” campaigns were waged by both sides. State-metns from the candidates focused o their individual persona] strengths rather than any perceived weaknesses of their opponents.
“I have put drug dealers and killers behind bars, and shall continue to do so.” Russell said. “1 shall continue to work closely with law enforcement to recognize trends in criminal activity, and any crime that has the potential to harm victims will continue to be our top priority.”
Russell approves of how alternatives like drug court were utilized during Morvant”s administration. One of his current duties, as a part-time staff member, is to administer that program himself.
Although Naquin has not served as a state prosecutor, he is firm in his belief that many years as an attorney have equipped him to know how to get the job done.
“For many years I have lived in and out of our courtrooms,” he said. “I have personally witnessed the devastating effects that drugs have had on our families. friends and our children. It’s no secret that the number one issue facing our criminal justice system today is the opioid and meth-amphetamine epidemic … It is extremely important that we have programs for education, rehabilitation and treatment for those who suffer from the illnesses of addiction”
The Lafourche DA race was close with the result bring decided by a small percentage of votes But incumbent Kristine Russell secured the win.
