CANDIDACY TRIAL RULES IN FAVOR OF CHALLENGER

SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

      13^th Judicial District Court Judge Thomas Fuselier on Tuesday ruled in favor of defendant, Mark Denette, a candidate for mayor in the Town of Basile.

     Basile Mayor Berline Sonnier last week filed a petition in court challenging the residency qualifications of her opponent, Mark Denette.  Sonnier through her attorney claimed that Denette did not meet the minimum one year requirement to seek political office. The petition claims Denette’s home was annexed into the Basile city limits eight months ago.

     In his ruling, Judge Fuselier read an attorney general’s opinion which states”  Inhabitants of an area annexed to a municipality are considered to be the category as inhabitants of the original territory for purpose of qualifications for holding office, voting and the like. I cannot declare the candidacy of Mr. Denette to be not qualified. We’ll have to have an election and let the voters decide.”