NEW ORLEANS, LA —  Councilmember Eugene Green issued the following statement regarding the ongoing legal and political dispute surrounding the Clerk of Criminal District Court position:

“The people of New Orleans deserve stability, transparency, and respect for the democratic process. Chelsea Napoleon was duly elected by the voters of this city on three separate occasions, including twice without opposition. Those elections mattered, and the will of the voters should not be casually disregarded. Likewise, Calvin Duncan was overwhelmingly elected by the people of this city and should continue pursuing all lawful avenues to assume the office to which he was elected.

At the same time, the State of Louisiana, following public hearings and legislative action, abolished one clerkship position and transferred its resources and responsibilities to the Clerk of Civil District Court. However, I continue to believe the office of Clerk of Criminal District Court should not have been abolished following Mr. Duncan’s election. 

I do not support framing this matter as a conflict between one duly elected official and another person who was elected to an office later abolished by state action, particularly while the legality of that action remains under litigation.

With respect to my decision to vote against appointing an interim clerk and calling a special election, the Council had additional time under the 20-day timeline to make a more informed decision rather than rushing into a special meeting without a full legal briefing on the competing interpretations and potential ramifications. Given the significance of the legal and constitutional issues involved, I stand behind my decision as the enforceability of the council’s actions remain pending before the Louisiana Supreme Court.

I also strongly oppose threats to use a usurpation statute to attempt to remove elected officials from office because they exercised their legislative judgment in a public meeting. If there is disagreement over the legality of those actions, that disagreement should be resolved through the courts in the ordinary course of litigation. I will always support the right of my colleagues to cast votes in furtherance of what they believe is in the best interest of the people they represent, even when we may disagree.

As this matter moves forward, I hope all parties involved will prioritize good governance, public confidence, and institutional stability over political conflict and retribution. The people of New Orleans deserve leadership focused on improving public safety, strengthening infrastructure, expanding educational opportunities, and addressing the everyday challenges facing our communities.

I remain committed to serving the residents of District D and the people of this great city above all else.”