Press Conference with Mayor Joel Robideaux regarding a possible re-vote on deconsolidation held Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, at City Hall.
LAFAYETTE, La. – Voters in Lafayette Parish may be returning to the polls for a re-vote on Lafayette’s deconsolidation measure, our media partners at KPEL report.
The news comes as Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin weighed in on the issue and said it can’t go forward as-is. The problems reportedly stem from issues with the proposed maps and some of the language in the proposed charter. Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux confirmed the news to KPEL News Director Bernadette Lee on Thursday. Robideaux says he hasn’t gotten the final word from Ardoin, but that public discussion would have to start again.
The full interview from KPEL’s Bernadette Lee with Robideaux can be found below.
The deadline for a measure to be put on the Fall ballot would be in mid-March. Robideaux is unsure if all of the necessary work can be completed by then.
The issue has been white hot since it was proposed that the Lafayette Consolidated Council split into two separate bodies: a parish council and a city council. Last Fall, voters approved that plan, setting up a very busy 2019 election year.
Residents were set to vote on members for each council this fall, but it seems that those plans are on hold.
Councilman Bruce Conque says there is no definitive answer on if a revote is required. It is an option, legal is reviewing that part of the process and is speaking with the Secretary of State, no decision has been made.
This story is developing.
(Video courtesy KPEL News 96.5 FM)
