Judge dismisses residency suit in Breaux Bridge race

District Judge Keith Comeaux Wednesday, Sept. 3, dismissed a suit by one Breaux Bridge City Council candidate against another contending that the defendant does not live within the city limits and therefore does not meet the residency requirement.
The plaintiff, Michael J. “T-Mike” Breaux, a candidate for the District B position on the council, alleged that the incumbent, Howard “Doc” Alexander, lives outside the Breaux Bridge city limits and therefore cannot run for the council.
Breaux filed a lawsuit in 16th Judicial District Court on Aug. 26, asking that Alexander be removed as a candidate for the council’s District B seat.
In the suit, Breaux alleges that Alexander lives at 2071 Doyle Melancon Rd., outside the city limits, rather than 406 Nettie St., his address of record.
Breaux produced affidavits signed by neighborhood residents alleging that Alexander does not live at 406 Nettie.
Testifying in court Wednesday were Alexander’s longtime girlfriend and his 89-year-old father, both of whom said Alexander’s residence is 406 Nettie but that he spends a lot of time, and many nights, with his father, who is suffering with Parkinson’s disease.
“It’s commendable that he can do this, and it does not disqualify him in this political case,” Judge Comeaux said.
Alexander also produced numerous documents showing 406 Nettie as his address going back to at least 1993.
Breaux’s attorney, Marcus Allen of Lafayette, said Breaux will appeal.
Alexander is seeking his sixth term on the Breaux Bridge City Council.