From the Bench

Not to Run: A Hard Decision But The Right One
Wednesday, Apr 09, 2008 2:57pm

For months we heard rumors that our 30 year D.A., Paul Carmouche, would retire at the end of this year. This was confirmed on Tuesday February 12. As a former assistant district attorney who has expressed an interest in the office, I was strongly encouraged to consider the position.

I have had the honor of serving Caddo Parish as a district judge for the past 17 years. Judicial Canons mandate that if a judge announces his intention to run for a non judicial office he must resign from the judiciary. Of course, the wisdom and rationale of that ethical rule is evident.

Thus, the deliberative process began. Is it in the best interest of this community and my family that I resign my judgeship, a job which I am absolutely passionate about, to run for another position for which I would probably, though not necessarily, have equal passion? Is there work yet to be done and do I feel an obligation to remain in the judiciary? In the process, and at age 53, I learned of the adverse effect that premature departure from the judiciary would ultimately have on my retirement package (of which I am entitled many years from now!). And, the most compelling question became what, in a broader sense, is best for my family?

I have always believed that, next to God, family is the most important thing in life. Earlier this week following much prayer and discussion with my wife and sons, I made a tough decision strictly on the basis of family considerations. Following Mr. Carmouche’s farewell, I announced that I will not run for district attorney.

The office of district attorney is an extremely important job. It is every bit as important as sheriff, mayor or district judge. The district attorney decides the tone and policy of all criminal prosecutions in our district. The public should insist that anyone who serves in that position is qualified, has experience, and has an established record of being tough on crime.


The public should also know that qualifying for this election is about 5 months away (July 9-11) and the election is 7˝ months away (October 4). Therefore, there is ample time for qualified candidates to step forward and quality time for the public to scrutinize who is worthy of this extremely important position.

I am extremely thankful for the support and friendship of the several hundred people who urged me to run for district attorney. Although the decision not to run for district attorney has been the toughest decision of my life, in the end and after much prayer and deliberation, I know that I have made the right choice for the right reasons.

I commend Paul Carmouche for a job well done and look forward to continuing my service as district judge.

Scott J. Crichton




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