Chapman announces candidacy for VP city judge

I, Alex “Sonny” Chapman, do hereby announce my candidacy for the upcoming election for Ville Platte City Judge. The primary election date is November 4, 2014, and the runoff election on December 6, 2014. This election is for all voters in Ward 1 of Evangeline Parish, From Tate Cove to Belaire Cove, Point Blue to L’Anse Aux Paiiles, Fauborg to Te-Mamou, as well as Chataigner. Ville Platte City Court, Small Claims Division, is also the Justice of Peace Court for Ward 1 for disputes under $3,000.     The primary dealings of Ville Platte City Court include creditor/debtor matters, misdemeanor crimes and juvenile jurisdiction. It also currently deals in civil matters under $15,000.    As a practicing attorney since 1979 with extensive experience in bankruptcy law, as a criminal trial attorney with many jury trials, including murder cases, under my belt and as a father who helped raise three children and who is called Paw Paw Sonny by seven, I feel that I have the background and experience to handle the job as your City Judge.        
I am a life-long resident of Ville Platte, the son of the late Alexon “Cason” and Winnie Soileau Chapman. I am an LSU Grad, B.A.-1976 & J.D.-1979. I began practicing law in Ville Platte in 1979 with J. Wendel Fusilier, V.P. City Judge 1977-1988 and began my solo practice in 1994.    
In 2007, I became District Defender of Evangeline Parish Public Defender Office, overseeing an annual budget of over $300,000 with supervisory duties over six attorneys and eight assistant personnel.             
I am married to Alisia Moree, the last plant manager of Holloway Sportswear. My hobbies include family, hunting, following LSU sports and the news, motorcycle riding and playing guitar.     My number one priority, if elected as Ville Platte City Judge, is to receive respect for the court and to reciprocate by giving respect from the court. Court appearances by those summoned to appear are essential for a court to function.  Respect for those appearing before the court also goes hand in hand with a fair and functioning court system.    
I promise to try, with God’s help, to treat equally all who appear before the Court, regardless of skin color or economic position in life.  If elected, I hope to treat everyone as my parents raised me to treat people—as a Person.    
Ward I has over 10,000 Registered Voters. I will do my best to meet as many of you as I can before the election. If you see a red motorcycle riding in your neighborhood, it’ll probably be me. Thank You & all support will be deeply appreciated.