Three candidates vying for Orleans Criminal District Court Clerk

WDSU NEWS HOT SEAT. I’M TRAVERS MACKEL TONIGHT. WE’R’ CONTINUING OUR COMMITMENT 2021 HOT SEAT DEBATES UP RIGHT NOW THE CLERK OF CRIMINAL COURT THE LONGTIME CLERK ARTHUR MURRELL SHOWS NOT TO SEEK RE-ELECTION THREE PEOPLE HAVE QUALIFIED TO RUN FOR THIS RACE. THEY ARELL A HERE TONIGHT. THEY AREN I ALPHABETICAL ORDER AUINST BATON, DR. PATRICIA BOYD ROBERTSON AND DARREN LOMBARD. WE THANK ALL OF YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT OFFICE FOR THE NO JUSTICE SYSTEM. WE’RE GONNA GIVE EACH ONE OF Y’ALL ONE MINUTE TO MAKE AN OPENING STATEMENT. WE DO GO ALPHABETICALLY FOR OUR VIEWERS WHO WATCH THESE ANDOR F YOU ALL WHO PARTICIPATED SO AUSTIN BOWDEN YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE TO MAKE AN OPENING STATEMENT. THANKS TRAVIS, AND THANK YOU TO CHANNEL 6 FOR HAVING ME ON TODAY. I’M AUSTIN BAD ON NUMBER EIGHT ON THE BALLOT. I’M OFFERING MYSELF TO BE THE CLERK OF CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT IN CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICER ALLIANCE HAPPILY MARRIED TO MY WIFE OF 26 YEARS. WE WORSHIP AT SAINT PETER CLAVER AND MARIA GORETTI CHURCH. WE HAVE ONE SON WHO IS0 1 YEARS OLD BEING EDUCATED IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. I HAVE A STRONG PLATFORM WHERE I WANT TO HELP PEOPLE. YOU GET EXPUNGEMENTS ALSO HAVE ACCESS TO THEIR FILES MODERNIZE THE COURT COMPUTER SYSTEM AND ALSO WORK WITH IN OUR ELECTIONS SAFER AND MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW ORLEANS. I HAVE A STRONG TRACK RECORD AND A STRONG LEGACY OF SERVICE IN NEW ORLEANS, AND I WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE THAT SERVICE AS YOUR CLERK OF CRIMINAL COURT LEAD BY EXAMPLE AND WITH THE PEOPLE OF NEW. TO OFFER MYSELF AND SHOW THEM ATWH THAT OFFICE HAS TO OERFF AS FAR AS OBTAINING EXPUNGEMENTS AND FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO GET NEW TRISAL TO BE ABLE TO HAVE ACCESS TO THEIR FATHER. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. BATTLE DR. PATRICIA BDOY ROBERTSON. YOU ALSO HAVE 60 SECONDS TO MAKE AN OPENING STATEMENT. THANKS TRAVIS AND HELLO, NEW ORLEANS CITIZENS. I AM DR. PATRICIA BOYETTE ROBINSON NUMRBE NINE ON YOUR BA LLOT. THE CLERK OF COURTS OFFICE HAS BEEN DYSFUNCTIONAL FOR FAR TOO LONG AND IT IS CURRENTLY STILL USING IT ANTIQUATED RECORD MANAMENTGE SYSTEM THAT HAS THE CHANGE. I WILLSE U MY EXPERIENCE IN EDUCATION TO MOVE THIS OFFICE FORWARDND A PROVIDE EXCELLENT SERVICES THAT I WILL CUT OUR COMMUNITY. WELL DESERSVE AS THE FORMER ACCOUNTING SUPERVISOR FOR THE CLERK’S OFFICE AND MY DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING. I UNDERSTAND THE BUDGET ISSUES. AT THIS OFFICE EERXPIENCES. THAT’S WHY I FURTHER MY EDUCATION WTEN BACK AND GOT A PHD IN PUBLIC POLICY BECAUSE I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS OFFICE. I WILL OFFER THE FOLWILONG SERVICES. I WILL IMPLEMENT A 21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM. I WILL BRING COST-EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY TO THIS LIMITED BUDGETED OFFICE. I WILLRO PVIDE CROSS TRAINING TO ALL THE EMPLOYEES IN THIS OFFICE. SO EVERYONE HAS KNOWLEDGE OF ALL THE SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE I WILL ALSO MAKE THE QUESTIONS PROCESS SMOOTHER AND MORE ACCESSIBLE. I AM DR. PATRICIA BOYD ROBINNSO NUMBER 9 AND YOU’RE BETTER AND I NEED YOUR VOTE. THANK YOU. THANK YOU AND DARRELL LOMBARD. YOU’RE GONNA WRAP US UP WITH OPENING STATEMENTS HERE. YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS AS WELL. AMEN, THANK YOU TRASVI FOR HAVING US ON. MY NAME IS DARREN LOMBARD. I’M NUMBER 10 ON YOUR BALLOT. I AM A FATHER A HUSBAND. I’M A FATHER FIVE GRANDFATHER THE THREE. I CURRENYTL OLD POSITION AT SECOND CITY COURT WHERE I HAVE BEEN THERE FOR EIGHT YEARS. THE OTHER THING I’VE DEON IS BEEN THE CLERK AT JUST A DEPUTY CLERATK LITTLE DISTRICT COURT RFO SIX YEARS WHERE I SUPERVISED IN AND COORDINATED ELECTIONS. OR SIX TO SEVEN YEARS. ALSO, I’M CURRENTLY. THE VICE-TALE THE BOARD OF ELECTION SUPERVISORS WHERE I’M ALSO THE GOVERNOR’S JNOH BELL EDWARDS APPOINTEE AND I PLAN ON DOING EVERYTHING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. THAT HASN’T BEEN DONE YET AT THE CLERK CRIMINAL DISAPPOINT. IT IS NOT BEEN A TOTAL DEBACLE. MR. MOREL’S DONE A GOOD JOB, BUT I’VE SEEN SOME OF THE THINGS THAT NEED TO BE CHANGED AND I WILL DO THAT. ALRIGHT, WE’RE GONNA START THIS QUESTION WITH YOU. WE’REON GNA GET GET TO THE ELECTION STUFF IN A SECOND. LET’S START ALL THREE OF Y’ALL MENTIONED MODERNIZING THE COURT MR. LUMBAR. YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS FOR THIS QUESTION. IF ELECTED A LOT OF LAWYERS THAT ARE WATCHIN TGHIS ASKED ME TO ASK THIS QUESTION. WHAT IS YOUR PNLA FOR MODERNIZING THE CLERK’S OFFICE? IT’’ HARD TO BELIEVE IN 2021, BUT THEY STILL USE PAPER FILINGS IN THAT SYSTEM IN 60 SECONDS. WHAT’S YOUR PLAN FOR MODERNIZATION? MY PLAN IS TO IMPLEMENT A NEW CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. I’M THE ONLY CANDIDATE IN THE RACE THAT HAS DONE THAT I’VE DO NE IT AT SECOND CITY COURT WHEER WE NOW HAVE EVERYTHING DIGITIZED. IT’S VERY SIMILAR SITUATIONS. SO WE’RE GONNA UPDATE THAT TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE HAS ACCESS TO JUSTICE. WE DON’T WANT A CLOSE-OFFICE ISSUE TO BECOME AN ISSUE FOR A CASE. SO THAT’S WHAT I’M GOING TO DO. AND ALSO I’’ GONNA MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO GO LIVE WITH THE THE ATTORNEYS THAT EVOLVED GIVEN THAT IT’S WE HAVE THIS COVID-19 SITUATION GOING ON. WE’R’ GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT THEYAN C DO MORE OUTSIDE OF THE COURTHOUSE FOR THE COURT BUILDING AND THATAY W THEY’RE NOT EXPOSED TO ANY COVID-19 LIKE THAT. ALL RIGHT, DR. BOYD ROBERTSON SAME QUESTION 60 SECONDS. ATWH IS YOUR PLAN FOR MODERNIZING? THE CLERK’S OFFICE LOTTO LAWYERS A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO USE IT FEEL ANTIQUATED IS PROBABLY AN UNDERSTATEMENT. YOU ARE DEFINITELY RIGHT TRAVIS AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT’S PRIORITY ON MY LIST. WHAT I’VE BEEN DOING IS I HAVE BEEN LOOKING AROUND SEARCHING. I’VE LOOKED AT OTHER AGENCIES THAT HAVE PUT HELP THAT HAVE IMPLEMENTED A TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS SUCH AS JEFFERSON PARISH YOU HAVE JEFF NET SUCH AS SAINT TAMMANY PARISH YOU HAVE GRAPPLES. AND ALSO I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING TO LOOK FOR SOMEBODY THAT WOULD BE A SYSTEM. THAT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE CRIMINAL COURT’S OFFICE BECAUSE EVERY SYSMTE DOESN’T GO WITH EVERY OFFICE. SO I’VE BEEN SECHAR AND WE DEFINITELY HAVE TO GET AN UPDATED SYSTEM BECAUSE IN THE LONG RUN WHAT IT WOULD DO IS CAUSE OUR BUDGET TOE B MORE FEASIBLE. AND SO I DEFINITELY WILL WORK ON THAT AND I AM LOOKINGT A THIS PRESENT TIME FOR AYS STEM THAT WOULD BE COMPARABLE FOR OUR OFFICE. THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT AUSTIN ABOUT ON SAME QUESTION. IT’S 60 SECONDS. WHAT’S YOUR PLANOR F MODERNIZING THIS OFFICE IF ELECTED? WELL, YOU COULD LOOK AT WHAT I’VE ALREADY DONE IS YOUR CLERK OF FIRST CITYOU CRT. I MEAN WE’VE GONE INND A WE’VE CHANGED NEW POLICIES. WE’VE MODERNIZED THE WAY WE DO BUSINESS IN THIS OFFICE AND I WILL BRING THAT SAME MENTALITY OVER TO THE CRKLE OF CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT. I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO REACH OUT AND HAVE A PUBLIC-PRIVEAT PARTNERSHIP WITH ORGANIZATIONS WHO WANT TO BE ABLE TO OFFSET THE BUDGET THAT’S OVER THERE AT THE COURT AND FUN NEW COMPUTER SYSTEMS SO THAT EACH ASPECT OF THE SYSTEM COULD BE ONLINE AND BE ABLE TO TALK TO ONE ANOTHER I’M IN FAVOR OF DOING AS WHAT IS BEING DONE RIGHT NOW AT CIVIL COURT AND THAT’S OFFERING TO THE LAWYERS AS YOU MENTIONED IN SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE WHERE THEY COULD GO INTO THAT SERVICE AND THEY COULD ACTUALLY LOOK AT CASESND A THEY COULD ACTUALLY MAKE COPIES THAT’S BEING DONE RIGHT NOW AT CIVIL COURT, BUT UT ILIZING BEST PRACTICES AND GOING OUT AND FINDING GOOD PEOPLE TO BRING IN MODERN COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE IS GONNA BE PARAMOUNONT MY LIST AND ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS THAT I DO WHEN I’M ELECTED. HI, WE’RE GNAON JUMP TO THIS QUESTION DR. BOYD ROBERTSON, YOU GET TO START US O OFFN THIS ONE THIRTY SECONDS BECAUSE WE WANT TO GET THROUGH THIS SO MUCH QUICKLY. THE EVIDENCE ROOM HAS BEEN AN ISSUE THE WAY THEY STORE EVIDENCE A LOT OF LAWYERS AND PROSECUTORS. TELL US MAYOT N BE THE BEST WAY IN 30 SECONDS. WHAT IS YROU PLAN FOR THE EVIDENCE ROOM AND ELECTED AS CLERK? THAT HAS BEEN AIG B ISSUE EVEN WHEN I WORKED THERE AS THE KIND OF SUPERVISOR THAT WAS ONE OF THE PROBLEMS THAT WE TTHA WE SAW AND SO THAT THAT UPGRADED OR THAT UPGRADED TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM IS GOING TO BE PARAMOUNT AND EVEN HAVE HANDLING THE EVIDENCE SITUATION BECAUSE NOW WE CAN HA AVE SYSTEM WHEREOU Y CAN GO INTO THIS THE CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OR WHATEVER SYSTEME W DECIDE TO IMPLEMENT AND YOU CAN SEE EXACTLY WHAT EVIDENCE WHERE EVIDENCE IS WHERE’S HOUSE? AND AND WHEN AND WHEN AMEN, ONE OF THE PROBLEMS THAT WE’VE HAD AND TALKING TO SOME OFHE T JUDGES IS THAT EVIDENCE IS STILL BEING LOST. SO WE GOT TO GET THIS DONE. ALL RIGHT, MR. BAD ON 30 SECONDS. WHAT IS YOUR PLAN FOR THE EVIDENCE ROOM IN THE WAY EVIDENCE HISTORIC AT CRIMINAL COURT IF ELECTED. RIGHT, THE JUDGE DOES JUDGES THEER WHO HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE NOT HAPPY OR COMFORTABLE WITH THEAY W EVIDENCE IS STORED. MY PLAN IS TO HAVE WHAT IS CALLED A STRONG CHAIN OF CUSTODY. I PLAN ON HAVING CAMERAS THAT ARE UNDER MY CONTROL MAKING SURE THAT THAT EV WNHE IT GOES OUT OF THE EVIDENCE FROM IT COMES BACK IN ANY APPROPRIATE MANNER AND ALSO TO ACTUALLY WEIGH IT WHEN IT GSOE OUT AND COMES BACK IN TO MAKE SURE THERE’S NO DEVIAONTI IN ANY TYPEF O CONSISTENCY WITH THAT BUT THE EVIDENCE FROM NEEDS TO BE SAFE AND SECURE AND YOU KNOW, I’VE HEARD STRONGLY FROM THE JUDGES AND THAT’S WHAT I’M PLANNING ON DOING. ALL RHTIG, MR. LOMBARD 30 SECOND. SAME QUESTION IF ELECTED. WHAT IS YOUR PLAN FOR THE EVIDENCE ROOM AND THE WAY THE CLERK STORE IS EVIDENCE. WELL CURRELYNT THE CLERK SCORES EVIDENCE ON THIRD FLOOR SECOND AND THIRD FLOOR. HE DOES NOT STORE IT IN THE BASEMENTS A OFY M OPPONENTS HAVE ALREADY SAID AND IT’’ NOT AN ISSUE WITH CINHA OF CUSTODY BECAUSE THE JUDGES EVERYONE HAS ALWAYS SIGNED OFF ON IT. SO THERE’S NOT BEEN AN ISSUE THERE WHAT I WOULD DO HAVE IS BRING AT SEOM POINT THE PROPERTY THAT IS IN TRANSITION UPSTAIRS AS WELL AND ALSO USE THE CMS SYSTEM TO TRACK IT MORE. DEFINITELY THEN COMFORT ME. ALL RIGHT, WE’RE GONNA SRTTA THIS QUESTION WITH YOU. IT’S ANOTHER ONE MINUTE ANSWER ANSWER OR 60 SECOND ANSWER. YOU’RE THE CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICER IF YOU’RE ELECTED IN THIS PARISH, THAT’S A BIG JOB. WE ALL KNOW ABOUT THE ELECTION ISSUES THAT PLADYE OUT IN THE TRUMP BUYING RACE OTHER STATES HAVE HAD ALL KINDS OF LAWSUITS AND ALLEGATIONS, MR. LOMBARDEN 60 SECONDSF I ELECTED. WHAT IS YOUR PLAN TO MAKE SURE ELECTIONS IN ORLEANS PARISH, ARE THESE SAFEST AND SECUREST THAT THEY CANE B WELL, CURRENTLY THEY ARE SAFE AND SECEUR AND WE’RE GOING TO IMPLEMENT WHATEVER THE THIS THE BEST PRACTICES OR TO MAINTAIN THAT. UM, I’M THE ONLY CANDIDATE IN THIS WHO’S ACTUALLY RAN AN ELECTION. FROM TOP TO BOTTOM BACK AND FOHRT WORD YEARS. I’M THE ONLY ONE THAT’S ALSO BEEN INVOLVED IN ELECTION PROCESS EITHER COORDINATING OR SUPERVISING FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS. SO I’VE NEVER MISDSE AN ELECTION AND SINCE 2006 AND I TNKHI THAT’S YOU MIGHT KNOW THAT I CAME ON WITHOUT THE MORRELL BACK THEN AND I’M STILL INVOLVED IN ELECTION PROCESS AND I’M THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS EXPERIENCE TO MAKE SURE THAT THINGS ARE DONE TIMELY AND ACCURATELY. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU VERY MH,UC MR. PATON 60 SECONDS. IF ELECTED IN ELECTIONS CLEARLY, THEY’RE SO IMPORTANT TO VOTERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND HERE IN NEW ORLEANS. WHAT IS YOUR PNLA TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE SAFE SECURE ELECTIONS IF ELECTED IN 60 SECOSND THIS THIS IS PARAMOUNT TO OUR DEMOCRATIC PROCESS. AS WE SPEAK RIGHT NOW. THEY ARE THEY’RE FORGNEI AND DOMESTIC PEOPLEHO W ARE TRYING TO INFILTRATE COMPANIES AND THEY’RE DOING SAME THING WITH ELECTIONS. UTILIZE MODERN TECHNOLOGY FIREWALLS HAVE GREAT IT PEOPLE INVOLVED TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE THESE TYPE OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE TRYING TO GET IN OR BEING ABLE TO TO STAY AWAKE HAVING TABLETS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO MAKE ELECTIONS AND NUMBERS REPORT IN REAL TIME. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE NEED TO DO. WE TALKED ABOUT MODERNIZING ALREADY. BUT THE OTHER THING THAT WE HAVE TO DO IS WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN PLACE WHO ARE TRAINED TO RECOGNIZE ANY TYPE OF INFILTRATION THAT’’ COMING IN. BUT IF YOU’RE LIKE ME EVERY TIME YOU WATCH THE REPORTS FROM NEW ORLEANS THE NUMBERS COME IN AND WE’RE ALWAYS LAST WE COULD DO BETTER FOLKS ANDE W WILL UNDER MY LEADERSHIP. ALL RIGHT,R. D BOARD ROBINSON SAME QUESTION ELECTIONS ARE SO IMPORTANT. IT’S 60 SECONDS. WHAT IS YOUR PLAN IF ELECTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE SAFE AND SECURE ELECTIONS. YES, ELECTNSIO ARE DEFINITELY SO IMPORTANT AND HAS BEEN STATED, YOU KNOW, THERERE A PLANS IN PLACE TOO MAKE VOTING. SO I MEAN SUPPRESSION COME BACK AND WE CANNOT ALLOW THIS IN NEW ORLEANS ASHE T CITY’S ELECTION OFFICER. I MAKE SURE THAT PREPARATIONS ARE IN PLACE FOR EVERY ELECTION TO ADDRESS ANY ISSUES AND COERNCNS THAT THE VOTERS HAVE AND TO RESOLVE THOSE PROBLEMS DAN ALLOW EVERYONE HAS REGISTEDER THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE OUR CONDUCT A STUDY TO SEASSS THE NEEDS. UNITY TO SEE IF THERE ARE NEED FOR MORE POLLING PLASCE IF THE STUDY SHOWS THERE’S A NEED I WILL DEFINITELY PROVIDE MORE POLLIN PGLACES. MY MY GOAL IS TO HAVE A PNEHO IN PLACE AND EVERY PRESENT LIKE WE USED TO HAVE BUT IF THAT’S NOT FEES THE BOY AT LEAST A PULL IN PLACE WHERE EVERYDYBO HAVE ACCESS TO IT AND THE MAIN THING I WANT TO DO IS PUT POLLING POST POLLING PLACES ON EVY ERCOLLEGE CAMPUS OR AT LEAST ON SEVERAL COLLEGE CAMPUSES BECAUSE AS A COLLEEG PROFESSOR AS A COLLEGE PROFESSOR I TALK WHEN I WAS STUDENTS ALL THE TIME AND THEY WOULD VOTE IF OF ACCESS TO VOTING AND SO I WANT TO MAKET I EASILY ACCESSIBLE TO OUR STUDENTS TO GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE ANDUR O WORD TO FIND A RESOURCES TO FULFILL THESE NEEDS. ALL RIGHT, 30 SECOND ANSWER HERE BECAUSE WE WANT TO GET ONE MORE QUESTION THEN BEFORE WE GIVE YOU ALL A CHANCE TO MAKE M AINUTE CLOSING STATEMENT AS WELL. WE’RE GONNA START THIS ONE MR. BAD ON HERE AND THEN WE’RE GONNA COME BACK TO MR. LOMBARD TO START THE CLOSING STATEMENTS. IN 30 SECONDS THOUGH. ARTHUR MURLLRE HAS FOUGHT WITH THE COUNCIL WHO CONTRSOL HIS BUDGET ABOUT MONEY WHICH LEADS TO HIRING IN 30 SECONDS MR. BAD ON WHAT IS YOUR PLAN? WHEN IT COMES TO THE BUDGET AND WHEN IT COMES TO STAFFING FOR THE CLERK’S OFFICE. OKAY, SO THAT OFFICEAS H A BUETDG OF ROUGHLY 4.8 MILLION DOLLARS. I HAVE TO GO INND A DO THE SAME THING THAT I DID OVER AT FIRST CITY COURT IF WHAT IT IS I HAVE LOOK AT THE STAFF AND THERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE WHO ARE OVER THERE. I’M NOT GOING TO FIRE EVERYBODY AND BRING IN NEW PEOPLE AS WHAT WAS STATED IN THE ROOM ARE GOING AROUND BUT EVALUATE WHAT I HAVE AND MAKE SURE TTHA WE ARE WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY TO MEET OUR BUDGETARY NEEDS. THERERE A THINGS THAT I WANT TO DO OVER AT THAT OFFICE AND IT TAKES MONEY IN ORDER TO DO THAT. YOU HAVE TO GENERATE MONEY, SO I WANT TO WORK WITH THE CITY AND THE CITY ADMINISTRATORS TO MEAK SURE THAT WE LIVE WITHIN OUR MEANS AND WE DO WITH THIS APPROPRIATE. HI. DR. BOYD ROBERTSON SAME THING 30 SECONDS. WHAT IYOS UR PLAN WHEN IT COMES TO THE BUDTGE AND STAFFING? I KNOW 30 SECONDS IS SHORT, BUT WE’RE TRYING TO GET THE MONEY. IS IT IS SATISFIED ACCOUNTANT? RIGHT? SO I WILL CONDUCT A THOROUGH COMPLETE FINANCIAL AUDIT. I WLIL FIND INNOVATIVE WAYS TO TRIM THE FAT FROM THE BUDGET AND MAGENA A LEAN BUDGET WITHOUT DISRUPTING ESSENTIAL SERVICES. I DON’T KNOW IF YOU ALL HEAV EVER HEARD OF DAVID, BUT DAVID STEWART HE WASE H IS THE SECOND RICHEST BILLIONAIRE IN THE IN THE UNITED STATES AND WHAT HE DID HIS OFFICE RAN THIS FUNCTIONAL FOR A MINUTE. HE KWNO HE HAD TO FIND OUTSIDE WAYSO T SO INCREASES BUDGET AND WHAT HE DID HE GOTNE O GOVERNMENT CONTRACT ONE GOVERNMENT CONTRACT AND TODAY. HE’S THE SECOND RICHEST BLACK MANN I THE WORLD. SO I HAVE THE EXPERIENCE OF GETTING GRANTS GETTING CONTRACTS WORKING WITH FOUNDATIONS TO BRING IN THE EXTRA FUNDING THAT’S NEEDED. SO TO MAKE UP THE SHORTLLFAS. ALL RIGHT, MR. LOMBARD SEAM THING 30 SECONDS IF I LIKED IT. WHAT IS YOUR PLAN WITH THE BUDGET AND AT CRIMINAL COURT? WELL, MY PLAN IS TO WKOR WITH THE CITY COUNCIL AS USUAL AUTHOR MORELS HAVE SOME PROBLEMS WITH THAT. WE’R’ GONNA WORK AROUND THAT. WE ALSO GOING TO DISCUSS WITH OUR CONGRESSMAN HOW TO GET SEOM OF THAT INFRASTRUCTURE MONEY THAT’S COMING IN. SO WE’RE GONNA DO THAT AS WELL TO IMPVERO ALL KIND OF AREAS AND IN THE OFFICE NOW THE OTHER THING I WANT TO SAVE REAL QUICK IS THAT I’’ NOT THE GUY HERE WHO IS RUNNING FOR 50 OFFICES, YOU KNOW EVERYTHING BUT DOG CATCHER. I’M I’V’ BEEN COMMITTED TO THIS FROM DAYNE O FROM THE FIRST DAY. IN THAT OFFICE AND I WAS STAY COMMITTED TO THE ELECTORATE THE VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS. ALL RIGHT, REALLY? WE’RE GONNA DO CSILONG STATEMENTS HERE. UM, MR. BADDOLL GIVE YOU A 10 SECOND RESPONSE TO THAT BECAUSE I KNOW HE’S REFERRING TO YOU THERE. SO IF YOU WANT TO RESPOND TO THAT ABOUT 10 SECONDS, GO AHEAD REALLY QUICKLY. I’M GONNA TAKE THE HIGH ROAD. OKAY, I’M NOT GONNA THAT’S OKAY. I SUPPOSEDO T GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY MR. LOMBARD. YOU’RE GONNA HAVE 60 SECONDS. WE’RE GONNA START WITH YOU. YOU ENDED OUR OPENING STATEMENTS. YOU’RE GONNA HAVE 60 SECONDS TO MAKE A CLOSINGTA STEMENT TO LET PEOPLENO KW WHY YOU FEEL YOU’RE THE BEST CANDID FOR CLERK OF CRIMINAL COURT. SO GO AHEAD. YOU’VE GOT 60 SECONDS. WELL, MY NEAM IS DARREN LOMBARD AGAIN. I’M NUMBER 10. I FEEL LIKE I’M THE BEST CANDIDATE BECAUSE I HAVE MOST OF THE EXPERIENCE THAT YOU WOULD REQUIRE FOR ANYONE WHO’’ TAKING ON SUCH A TASK AS UPDATING OUR OFFICE THAT LIKE AS LARGE AS CRIMINAL JUST REPORTS OFFICE. ALSO, I’MHE T ONLY CANDIDATE WITH THE EXPERIENCE WHEN IT COMES TO ELECTION. ALSO WORK WITH THE GOVERNOR ON ELECTIONS FOR THE ENTIRE PARISH ALL THESE I’VE DONE IT FOR 15 YEARS. I PROBABLY BEEN INVOLVED IN AT LEAST RIGHT AROUND A HUNDRED ELECTIONS SO YOU CAN REST ASSURE THAT I’LL PROTECTHE T VOTERS RIGHT TO VOTE. I WILL NOT COME TO YOU WITH SMOKE AND MIRRORS AND PROMISING UYO THINGS THAT AREN’T REALISTIC. I HAVEN’T EXPERIENCED BEING CONSISTENT. I’M THE ONLY CANDIDATE THAT’S ENDORSEDY B THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR CONGRESSMAN TROY CARTER IS SENATOR. ORLAOND THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT IT TAKES TO GET THE JOB DEON AND I PLAN ON FULFILLING THAT COMMITMENT. I SPOKE ABOUT EARLIER TO THE VOTE OF TEVORS OF ORLEANS PARISH. RIGHT. THANK YOU VYER MUCH, MR. LOMBARD DR.OY BD ROBERTSON. YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS TO MAKE A CLOSING STATEMENT. THANK YOU. I WAS PONDERING ON MY CLOSING ON LAST NIGHT, AND I WAS GETTING READY TO TAKE SOME NOTES. RIGHT AND I WENT INTO MY PURSE DAN I PICKED UP MY INK PEN AND MY ANKEN WASN’T RIGHT. I PUT ANYTHING BK IACN MY PURSE WENT INTO THE KITCHEN GOT SOME WATER CAME BACK TO MY PURSE PICKED UP THAT SAME AENNK AND GUESS WHAT THE ENDPIN DIDN’T RIGHT. OR I THOUGHT ABOUT THAT. I SAID, Y KOUNOW WHAT IF WE KEEP ON DOING THE SAME THING THAT WE’VE BEEN DOING WE’RE GONNA KEEP ON GETTING THE SAME RESULTS AND THAT’S REFERRED TO AS INSANITY IF YOU KEEP ON USING THE SAME PEOPLE AND YOU KEEP ON PUTTINGHE T SAME THING IN PLACE, YOU’RE GONNA KPEE ON GETTING THE SAME SAME RESPONSE. I HAVE PREPARED MYSELF FOR THIS OFFICE BOTH THROUGH EXPERIENCE IN EDUCATION,ND A I HAVE THE PROVEN CAPACITY TO GET THINGS DONE. I VEHA ALSO BEEN ABL TEO EMPOWER OTHERS TO MAKE A LIVING. I AM PREPARED TO MAKE THIS. THAT STRESSFUL. LET’S HASSLE MEOR CONVENIENT AND MORE ACCESSIBLE. I NEED YOUR VOTE THOUGH TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. I AM DR. PATRICIA BOYD ROBINSON NUMBER NINE ON YOUR BALLOT, AND I THANK YOUO S MUCH FOR YOUR VOTE. GOD BLESS YOU. YOU WERE LIKE RIGHT AT 60 SECONDS RIGHT THERE. CONGRATULATIONS AUSTIN MAD ON YOU GET TO WRAP US UP WITH CLOSING STATEMENTS. YOU HAVE 60 SECONDS. THANKS AGAIN TRAVIS. I’ AMUSTIN DAD. I’M NUMBER EIGHT ON YOUR BALLOT. YOU KNOW ME, YOU KNOW THE WORK THAT I’VE BNEE DOING IN THE COMMUNITY FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS YOU BLESSED ME BY LETTING ME SERVE YOU IN THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE, AND NOW YOU’RE BLESSED ME BY LETTING ME SERVE YOU AS YOUR CLERK OF FIRST CITY COURT WHERE ME AND MY STAFF WHO ARE WONDERFUL PEOPLE HAVE DONE TREMENDOUS THINGS OVER HERE. WE’VE MADE THIS OFF OFFICE MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE AND SAFER. WE VALUE YOUR TIMEND A WE WORK VERY HARTOD PROVIDE GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. AS A PROUD GRADUATE OF SAINT AUGUSTINE HIGH SCHOOL THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS IN POLITICAL SCIENCEND A A MASTER’S DEGREE AT TROY STETA UNIVERSITY AND HANUM RESOURCES MY EDUCATION MY EXPERIENCEY M PASSION FOR THIS POSITION MAKES ME THE TOP CANDIDATE FOR THAT. BUT YOU ALSO KNOW THE HUMANITARIAN WORK TTHA I’VE DONE IN THE COMMUNITY HELPING FDIN MISSING PEOPLE SUCH AS CAROLYN MONETTE AND MISS JEAN STOKES THINGS SUCH AS GOING IN VACCINATING 150 PEOPLE UNDER THE BRIDGE. I’M NOT STJU TELL YOU WHAT, I NTWA TO DO AND STUFF LIKE THAT AND SHOW UP ON THE SCENE. YOU KNOW ME AND YOU KNOW, I’V’ BEEN HERE FOR YOU AND WE’LL CONTINUE TO BE ALL RIGHT. WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME ELECTION DAY IS NEARING EARLY VOTING IS ALREADY UNDERWAY, WHICH IS A GOOD THING ELECTION DAY IS ON THE 13TH, DOCTOR PATRICIA. ALBERTSON AUSNTI BAD ON DARREN LOMBARD, WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME. GOOD LUCK TO ALL THR

Three candidates vying for Orleans Criminal District Court Clerk

Austin Badon, Patricia Boyd-Robertson and Darren Lombard are running against each other.

Updated: 7:52 AM CST Nov 8, 2021

Three candidates are vying to be the next Orleans Criminal District Court Clerk, a job held the last 15 years by Arthur Morrell. Morrell is retiring in May after serving five terms. All the candidates — Austin Badon, Patricia Boyd-Robertson and Darren Lombard — are Democrats with experience in a clerk’s office. Austin Badon has for the last three years served as clerk of First City Court, an election position for an office that handles small claims cases and evictions. He previously served 12 years as a state representative, sponsoring a bill that led to the reduction of penalties for marijuana in 2014. In a Hot Seat debate with reporter Travers Mackel, Badon said he wants to modernize the file system, help people get expungements and make elections safer and voting more accessible. Patricia Boyd-Robertson is the former accounting supervisor at the Orleans Criminal District Clerk’s Office who recently earned a doctorate degree in public policy. During the Hot Seat debate, she said she wants to move the clerk’s office forward, calling the current office “dysfunctional.” She said she wants to modernize the records management system and make elections “smoother and more accessible.” Darren Lombard is the current clerk of 2nd City Court and previously worked as deputy clerk in Orleans Criminal District Clerk’s office under Morrell. At the criminal clerk’s office he said during the Hot Seat debate he oversaw elections for over six years. He said Morrell has done a good job but he wants to “see changes.” Polls close at 8 p.m. Nov. 13.

NEW ORLEANS —

Three candidates are vying to be the next Orleans Criminal District Court Clerk, a job held the last 15 years by Arthur Morrell. Morrell is retiring in May after serving five terms.

All the candidates — Austin Badon, Patricia Boyd-Robertson and Darren Lombard — are Democrats with experience in a clerk’s office.

Austin Badon has for the last three years served as clerk of First City Court, an election position for an office that handles small claims cases and evictions. He previously served 12 years as a state representative, sponsoring a bill that led to the reduction of penalties for marijuana in 2014. In a Hot Seat debate with reporter Travers Mackel, Badon said he wants to modernize the file system, help people get expungements and make elections safer and voting more accessible.

Patricia Boyd-Robertson is the former accounting supervisor at the Orleans Criminal District Clerk’s Office who recently earned a doctorate degree in public policy. During the Hot Seat debate, she said she wants to move the clerk’s office forward, calling the current office “dysfunctional.” She said she wants to modernize the records management system and make elections “smoother and more accessible.”

Darren Lombard is the current clerk of 2^nd City Court and previously worked as deputy clerk in Orleans Criminal District Clerk’s office under Morrell. At the criminal clerk’s office he said during the Hot Seat debate he oversaw elections for over six years. He said Morrell has done a good job but he wants to “see changes.”

Polls close at 8 p.m. Nov. 13.