Should Sheriffs be term-limited? One New Orleans lawmaker has filed a constitutional amendment that would essentially limit the law officers to three consecutive terms at a time.
Louisiana Sheriffs tend to have very long reigns once they take office and because of that, they end up being one of the most influential political entities in a parish, region, or even the state. It’s also one of the few prominent elected offices in Louisiana that does not have term limits, and Landry told WWL that’s a raw deal for voters.
“In a lot of parts of our state we have some of these positions where people become very powerful and stay there for a very long time, and because of that it really is a detriment to voters and people who want to come along and change the system,” said Landry.
Such a law would’ve cut short the tenure of past prominent Greater New Orleans Area sheriffs like Harry Lee in Jefferson Parish, Marlin Gusman in Orleans Parish, and Jack Strain in St. Tammany. *Correction* the proposal is not retroactive, and should it pass any active sheriffs would have another 3 terms in office they could serve.
The bill specifically states two and a half consecutive terms as the limit, so any Sheriff who takes over mid-term for their predecessor would be limited to running for office in only the next two consecutive elections.
Landry said she’s not concerned about the bill passing a vote of the people. She noted the 1995 constitutional amendment instituting term limits for lawmakers passed by over 75%, but that's not the biggest hurdle. Before it could even get on the November ballot it will have to win two-thirds backing in the Legislature.
“So the question here is will some of my colleagues allow this to even make it on the ballot, I think that is a good question because we know that voters will approve it,” said Landry.
We’re awaiting comment from the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association as to their position on the proposal.
Landry has also filed a bill that would implement the same restrictions for assessors.