St. Tammany sheriff candidates square off as election nears

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - With less than a month until voters elect a new St. Tammany Parish sheriff, the four candidates squared off Wednesday at a Chamber of Commerce forum in Mandeville. Each candidate has a lengthy resume and says it’s time for new leadership.

“There’s a great group of men and women 700+ deputies they just need the right leadership,” said candidate and former State Police Commander Robert Hodges.

“The people we serve is you, it’s not about the sheriff,” said candidate and former Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau.

“The previous leadership led by fear instead of motivation I lead by motivation,” said former St. Tammany Sheriff’s Lt. David Maki.

“I would not do an immediate turnover with command staff we first have to get in there and see what’s going on,” said former U.S. marshal and candidate Scott Illing.

Each candidate has extensive law enforcement experience and says improving conditions at the jail for dozens of deputies who work there, as well as prisoners, is a priority.

The forum came three months after former Sheriff Randy Smith pleaded guilty to second-degree battery after a beating incident at a local steakhouse, and the candidates appear ready to address image concerns with the department.

“They just need a leader they can trust with accountability and professionalism,” said Hodges, who touted his work with Troop Nola and reductions in crime as a result.

“I think the actual departments in OK shape we need to change at the top,” said Illing, who began his career with the Covington Police Department and went on to participate in several task forces.

“There’s no whole changes needed, there are some changes that need to be made but it gets down to the right leadership,” said Maki, who was in charge of St Tammany sheriff’s patrols until he resigned to run for office and start a new business.

“The sheriff’s deputies just need steady good leadership the top and that’s what I bring to the table,” said Seuzeneau, who touted his experience and MBA.

Though the sheriff’s office’s image is a concern, none of the candidates at the chamber forum said they favored changing the sheriff’s office logos or uniforms. The election is Nov. 3, and if no candidate garners more than 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held in December.

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