Our Turn: Forced to Retire at 70
It's another big embarrassment for the Louisiana Legislature.
Our lawmakers passed a bill in the last session forcing almost 200 constables and justices of the peace out of their jobs because they happen to be more than 70 years old. A judge this month issued a temporary restraining order, saving their jobs for now, but wait until you hear how this law got passed.
Senator Elbert Guillory of Opelousas sponsored the bill because, he says, someone asked him to do it.
At first he said it was someone with the Louisiana Justices of the Peace and Constables Association. But they said, nope it wasn't them -- they didn't have anything to do with this request. So reporters asked Senator Guillory, for the name of the person who asked him to do it. He responded by claiming not to know the person's name. He said it was somebody who called him on the phone and that they weren't able to trace the phone call.
Well, there you have it. That's how easy it is to get special interest legislation passed in the Louisiana Legislature.
By the way Senator Guillory, the gentleman who sponsored the bill to throw all those 70-year-olds out of work. How old is he? That's right, 70.
That's "Our Turn." Now, it's your turn. To comment on this segment or anything else, visit us on Facebook or send an email to yourturn@wafb.com.
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