Plaquemines Parish Council votes to put port governance change on March 2025 special election ballot

The Plaquemines Parish Council voted 6–3 on Oct. 10 to place a charter amendment before voters that would change governance of the Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District from the parish council to a seven‑member appointed Port Commission.

Councilmember Charles Gooey, who offered the ordinance, told the council the measure would call a special election on March 29, 2025, “amending the governing authority of the port from the parish council to a port commission,” and described the commission as seven members, five nominated by the council, one nominated by the parish president and one nominated by the governor. Gooey said appointees must live or work in Plaquemines Parish and have port‑related experience; he also warned that the charter change would still require a state statute change for full effect.

The measure prompted prolonged public comment and floor debate. Benny Roussel, who identified himself as a longtime resident, urged the council to reject the change, saying it “is a further step in the wrong direction” and arguing the ballot box provides accountability he did not want taken away. David Clark, a Belle Chasse resident, asked the council to explain the benefit to voters and questioned timing and turnout for a March special election.

Opponents warned that appointing commissioners could increase the influence of business interests and reduce direct voter control. Reverend Edwards, one of the three no votes, said he opposed the shift because it risks removing power from elected officials and could lead to private or business influence over port decisions. Supporters, including Councilmember Champagne, said the voters should decide whether they want port commissioners with port experience; Champagne told the council the charter change offers “the people the opportunity to make that choice.”

Council members also discussed technical points of the proposal during the meeting: how nominations would be made, the staggered timing of appointments tied to nominating authorities (council, parish president, governor), and the need to pursue a state statutory change (RS 34[...] referenced in the discussion) for the governance change to take effect if voters approve it. Gooey said the next step after a voter approval would be consideration in the 2025 state legislative session.

The council offered the motion (Gooey) and a second; after public comment and extended debate the ordinance passed 6–3. No immediate administrative actions beyond setting the election date were taken at the meeting. The council’s split included recorded no votes from Reverend Edwards, Councilmember LaFrance and Councilmember Kognevich.

Next steps: the amendment will appear on the March 29, 2025 special election ballot if required procedural steps are followed; council members and administration said they would use the five months before the election to hold public outreach and information sessions. If voters approve the charter change, the county indicated state statute changes would be required in the 2025 legislative session before the governance change could take full effect.