[StBernard] 3 Chalmette men vie to become a St. Bernard Parish justice of the peace

[Westley Annis]

3 Chalmette men vie to become a St. Bernard Parish justice of the peace

Published: Monday, October 17, 2011, 5:58 PM     Updated: Monday, October
17, 2011, 6:01 PM

 By Benjamin Alexander-Bloch, The Times-Picayune 

Three candidates from Chalmette seek the open St. Bernard Parish justice of
the peace Ward G post vacated when Howard Luna resigned in July.

The election is Saturday.

St. Bernard Parish Councilman Kenny W. Henderson and John McElroy, both
Republicans, and Billy Showalter, a Democrat, are vying for the spot.

Henderson, 60, is finishing up his second term as District C councilman, and
he says that makes him "qualified to help people on a daily basis." He says
he already knows most state parish laws and ordinances and that he wants to
have litter laws and high grass ordinances upheld and enforced.

McElroy, 38, says he has no political ties, so "everyone will get fair and
impartial treatment in my court." As a volunteer St. Bernard sheriff's
official, he says he has been "involved with the judicial system."

Showalter, 57, is retired after spending more than 35 years as a U.S. Postal
Service supervisor and says that has prepared him to deal with the public
effectively, handle the paperwork required of a justice of the peace and "be
compassionate to the needs of everyone." He says he will "always be honest
and fair with any decisions that are required."

Luna is seeking the District C Parish Council seat on Saturday's ballot.