Old lawsuit around St. George re-emerges
ST. GEORGE, La. (WAFB) - After voters approved St. George becoming its own city, many major businesses like the Mall of Louisiana and Our Lady of the Lake Hospital asked to be annexed into the city of Baton Rouge, which is now a done deal. But nine other annexations are still tied up in a legal battle. They include Woman’s Hospital on Airline, United Plaza, the five-story building on Essen, along with Louisiana Retirement Systems, and a handful of other businesses.
St. George claims those nine properties are still on their turf and filed a lawsuit to challenge the annexations. That suit was put on hold until the Supreme Court decision.
“And so, the lawsuit was put on pause because there was no reason to determine the lawsuit if the St. George incorporation went through or didn’t go through. And when you talk about multiple businesses, we’re really talking about 1 or 2 actors that control or own most of this property,” said St. George Spokesman Andrew Murrell.
Now that the state Supreme Court has ruled St. George can in fact become its own city, the annexation lawsuit is being talked about again. But before they can revisit it in court, St George spokesman Andrew Murrell believes it will be delayed again since Baton Rouge has asked the state Supreme Court for a rehearing.
“A complete waste of everyone’s time and taxpayer dollars and resources as has been the entire lawsuit in opposition to St. George,” Murrell noted.
We’re still waiting to hear who Governor Landry will appoint as the temporary mayor and city council. And with Murrell leading the charge for St. George, many are wondering if he’d be up for the job.
“No...absolutely not. My belief is idealists create governments and politicians destroy them,” Murrell assured.
Council member Dwight Hudson, who voted against the annexations, is another name being tossed around as a potential candidate for mayor. His district includes all of St. George.
“My focus right now is to run for re-election this fall. I would like to see how the field looks for mayor before I make any final decisions. I’m enjoying my spot on the metro-council I’m not necessarily trying to be mayor of St. George,” said Councilman Hudson (R-District 9).
“I’m always gonna be supportive of Dwight in whatever he pursues. Again, to be a voice on a council that’s that hostile to St. George and to stand up for our rights, that means something,” said Murrell when asked if he’d endorse Hudson if he ran.
Hudson says if it’s not him who ends up running for mayor of St George, he believes any one of the members currently on the transition district would be a good choice.
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