Cases brought before the 21st Judicial District Court have resulted in three local candidates being disqualified from seeking office in the Nov. 8 primary election.
Local developer Darryl Smith was disqualified following legal challenges filed against his candidacy for the Hammond mayoral race. Yesterday, a judge ruled that Smith’s name should be struck from the ballot after a successful challenge from incumbent Pete Panepinto. The attorney representing the mayor argued that Smith did not reside at the North Oak Street address as he claimed on his qualifying form and that Smith’s residency should be tied to the Par Lane address under which he receives his homestead exemption for property tax purposes. Smith said he will appeal the decision.
Also disqualified from other races were Terrell Hookfin of Kentwood, on another residency question in the Kentwood mayor’s race. And Tasha Robinson of Hammond on a residency and tax objection, meaning incumbent Kip Andrews will be the only candidate in the race for District 1.
Friday was the deadline for parties to file suit challenging a candidate’s qualifications for the primary ballot.
