Governor sets date for next election

St. Tammany News

The judicial jolt Folsom voters served to the village's three aldermen when ousting them from office last month will remain intact.

Despite intentions to the contrary, aldermen George Garrett, John Mathies and Ronald Holliday did not file paper work with Gov. Kathleen Blanco's office by Monday's deadline to challenge the election results in what one alderman called unjust electoral practices.

Certifying the election results Tuesday, Blanco called a special election Oct. 20 with a runoff Nov. 17, if necessary, to replace the village's entire legislative branch. Candidates interested in running for the aldermen seats must register between Sept. 4 and 6 with the Secretary of State's office.

Although Blanco's proclamation did not outline who or how an appointment of interim aldermen will take place, under state law the governor has 10 days to make a decision. Blanco's press secretary, Marie Centanni, said the process is so rare that the governor must revisit the process and likely consult with Mayor Marshell Brumfield on whom to appoint.

Three interim aldermen will serve roughly seven months until a special election is held in early February to elect permanent replacements. Meanwhile, Mayor Marshell Brumfield called Blanco's office offering his support in seating interim replacements. Brumfield said he hasn't been able to meet with Blanco but has an idea on who to recommend. He declined to elaborate.

Garrett previously said he would challenge results of the special election that was so close only 15 votes or less separated winner from loser.

Mathies was recalled by a margin of 13 votes, Garrett by 15 and Holliday by 25. Although Folsom's population stands at 651, only 451 residents are certified to vote.