Billed as the “hugest” NOLA Sheriff Candidate Forum, the Orleans Parish Prison Reform Coalition (OPPRC) and such partners as the ACLU, the Micah Project, the Power Coalition and Union Migrante are bringing together four candidates for Orleans Parish Sheriff tonight, Thursday October 28, in what could be the last match-up before early voting begins. Candidates who are expected to attend include Dr. Christopher Williams, Janet Hayes, Susan Hutson and Quentin Brown.
In a statement released yesterday evening, Sheriff Marlin Gusman indicated that previously scheduled events including a campaign fundraiser and a “long standing commitment to help a church raise items for Toys for Tots” will prohibit him from participating, according to Gusman campaign spokesperson Cheron Brylski.
Moderated by Foundation for Louisiana President & CEO Flozell Daniels, the forum will take place at the Ashe Powerhouse, 1731 Baronne Street. Activities start at 5:30 p.m. with a pre-event mixer which includes food and raffle prizes for community participation. The candidate forum begins promptly at 6 p.m. and will feature “hard questions” for candidates. Child care will be available as well as translation in Spanish, ASL and Vietnamese.
In an email to OPPRC supporters, executive director Sade Dumas said that candidates will share their views on collaborating with ICE, gender justice, making legal representation accessible for people in jail, jail expansion and other issues.
COVID protocol will be followed. Proof of vaccination/or a negative PCR COVID Test with 72 hours and masks are required. OPPRC has developed an extensive #nolasheriff2021 platform which can be viewed at bit.ly/nolasheriff-2021.
