By Craig Franklin Editor

The LaSalle Parish Police Jury once again had the sad task of appointing another widow to fill a seat on the Jury. The action took place during a special meeting of the Jury held Tuesday night, November 28.

District 9 Juror Brent Farley’s widow, Reacey Farley, was unanimously appointed to fill the position of her late husband through the remainder of his term, which expires on January 8, 2024.

New District 9 Juror Curt Ainsworth will assume the position when the new Jury receives their oath of office prior to the Jury’s meeting January 11.

Farley passed away on Election Day, November 18, while in a runoff election for the seat with Ainsworth. Due to his death, Louisiana law mandated the election for the seat cease with Ainsworth declared the winner.

Along with Reacey’s appointment, the Jury adopted a resolution recognizing her husband’s contribution to LaSalle Parish during his time of service.

The resolution states in part: “Whereas, the LaSalle Parish Police Jury does hereby express their appreciation, and gratitude, and; Whereas, the Jury recognizes the excellent and dedicated service that Mr. Brent Farley has rendered the Parish during his term of office, and; Whereas, Brent will be truly missed by Jurors, Staff and employees.”

Also during the special meeting, the Jury voted to advertise for applications for the position of LaSalle Parish Registrar of Voters.

LaSalle Registrar of Voters Angie Sandifer announced her retirement for January 26, 2024 after serving in the position for eight years.

She had worked in the Registrar’s Office for nearly 20 years as Deputy Registrar prior to her appointment by the Jury in 2015 with the retirement of Connie Huett, former Registrar.

In total, Sandifer has served in the La-Salle Parish Registrar of Voters Office for nearly 29 years.

Applications for the position will be accepted at the Police Jury’s office until Wednesday, December 20 with interviews set for the following day, Thursday, December 21.

Along with being a resident and registered voter of LaSalle Parish, applicants must possess at least one of the following: -a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and two years of fulltime, professional work experience; -an associate degree from an accredited institution and four years full time, professional work experience; -seven years of fulltime, professional work experience; -five years of fulltime employment in a registrar’s office in Louisiana.

(Explanation of “Professional work experience”: This means experience in an occupation which requires specialized and theoretical knowledge usually acquired through college training or through work experience and other training which provides comparable knowledge.)

In other business, the Jury voted to:

-approve a new Hardship Policy Evaluation form; -approve a new requirement to work at the Parish Barn, that being the individual must possess a CDL or Class D Chauffeur’s license; -and approve a new requirement that all new hires of the La-Salle Parish Police Jury must pass a drug test to be employed.