Clear Choice Between Experience and Reform After Ticketing Scandal

Early voting begins September 27

West Baton Rouge Parish voters have one contested race on their October 11 ballot, but it's an important one: choosing the next Ward 2 Constable after a controversial ticketing scandal forced the previous officeholder's resignation.

Bottom Line Up Front

The Race: Amanda Southon vs. Duane Vince for Ward 2 Constable
What's at Stake: Restoring public trust in a position tainted by illegal enforcement operations
The Choice: Prior constable experience vs. extensive law enforcement support background
Key Issue: Both candidates reject traffic enforcement, but offer different approaches to preventing future controversies.

Why This Election Matters

Former Constable Ron Tetzel resigned in March 2025 after Attorney General Liz Murrill shut down his school zone ticketing program as illegal. Tetzel had mailed over 4,000 speeding tickets in just two weeks along Highway 1, creating a $90,000 debt and statewide controversy.

The scandal's core issue: Tetzel claimed he had "approval from the Civil Division of the Attorney General's office," while AG Murrill stated "At no time did the constable receive advice or approval to conduct speed enforcement work." This authorization dispute shows why voters must choose someone committed to clear boundaries and proper oversight.

The Candidates

Amanda Jewel Southon (No Party)

Contact: (225) 315-2476 | Southon1501@hotmail.com

Southon previously served as Ward 2 Constable by appointment (2018 until Tetzel's election) and works as an insurance adjuster. She's married to Justice of the Peace Thomas Southon, with AG confirmation of no legal conflicts. Takes a narrow view of constable duties, focusing on "basically delivering paperwork"—serving eviction notices, court documents, and providing court security. Explicitly rejects traffic enforcement.

Duane Vince (No Party)

Contact: (225) 441-3997 | providentinvestigationsllc@gmail.com

Brings 25 years of state government experience in law enforcement support roles: 16 years at the AG's office as digital forensic examiner on Internet Crimes Against Children cases, 9 years in communications support for State Police. Currently owns Provident Investigations, LLC. Also rejects traffic enforcement but wants systematic reforms including formal job descriptions and documented authorization procedures. His PI license creates additional incentive for lawful operation.

What Constables Actually Do

Constables serve six-year terms under Justice of the Peace courts, handling:

• Serving court papers, warrants, and subpoenas
• Executing court orders and judgments
• Providing court security
• Preserving public peace within their jurisdiction

Ward 2 covers portions of Brusly and Addis, including the Highway 1 corridor where the controversial ticketing occurred.

Key Differences

Southon offers proven experience—she held the position without controversy and wants to return to traditional methods.

Vince brings extensive law enforcement support credentials and advocates systematic transparency through formal procedures.

The choice: direct experience vs. broader qualifications with reform agenda.

Voting Information

Early Voting: September 27 - October 4 (no Sunday), 8:30 AM - 6 PM

• Registrar of Voters: 883 7th Street, Suite A, Port Allen
• Brusly Water Office: 158 E. St. Francis Street, Brusly

Election Day: October 11, 7 AM - 8 PM
Find Your Polling Place: voterportal.sos.la.gov
Runoff (if needed): November 15

Requirements: Photo ID required (or sign affidavit if no ID available)

The Bigger Picture

This race determines how constable duties will be defined and executed in Ward 2. The winner serves six years and will help establish clearer boundaries for what constables can and cannot do in West Baton Rouge Parish.

Both candidates understand the lessons from the Tetzel scandal and are committed to proper boundaries, but offer different solutions: proven experience versus systematic reform.