Alderman Meets Residency Law Says DA
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
Opelousas Alderman-at-large Marvin Richard lives legally inside the city and meets all necessary residency requirements in order to hold public office, according to a decision handed down Wednesday by St. Landry Parish District Attorney Chad Pitre.
In a press release obtained by St. Landry Now.com, Pitre wrote that after conducting an investigation following a written complaint filed with the DA’s Office on June 10 by Racheal Reed, he has found that Richard maintains an Opelousas residence at 410 East Franklin where Richard also pays homestead for exemption, satisfying the legal residence requirement for the Opelousas alderman-at-large position.
Pitre stated in the opinion that he is legally obligated to oversee an investigation and issue a written opinion to the Board of Aldermen and the official journal for the city within 20 days.
Reed, Pitre wrote in the opinion, alleged that Richard does not reside within the city.
Instead Pitre indicated, Reed alleged that Richard lives at 177 Rue Savannah, which Pitre wrote is located outside the Opelousas city limits.
In order to be seated on the Board of Aldermen, Pitre wrote that Richard is legally required to maintain a domicile inside the city.
However, since Richard was elected as an alderman-at-large, Richard is not bound by state law to reside in one particular election district like the other five elected members of the Board.
Although Richard is registered to vote at 1736 Lakeview Drive within the city, Richard claims homestead exemption at 410 East Franklin, Pitre wrote in the opinion.
Pitre said that following an investigation, it is his opinion that Richard lives with his new wife “inside the municipal limits” of Opelousas.
Richard told St. Landry Now.com in a Wednesday night telephone interview that he would never try to mislead city voters or residents.
“People who know me know better. I love my community and I would never lie to my community. I will continue to work for my community while I am in office and after I am not in office,” Richard said
Richard added that he did not know why a residence complaint had been requested of the DA’s Office.
“I don’t want to talk about what motivates people. I can’t imagine why someone would want to do that,” said Richard.
Richard added that he had not been provided with a copy of the decision by Pitre.
