In a tersely-worded statement released Tuesday morning, Davis announced he was withdrawing a request he submitted to the St. Tammany Parish Council last week that, if approved, would have asked parish voters to allow Davis’ name to be placed on the ballot for the 2012 election.
The request, to be discussed at the Jan. 8 meeting, would not get rid of the three-term limit of parish president.
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The referendum would have been voted on in a May 2 election.
Davis, who ends his third term in 2012, said he wanted a fourth term in order to finish the work he had started during the parish’s rebuilding process after Hurricane Katrina. He said his experience working with the federal government would give the parish an edge in getting the necessary funding to finish rebuilding St. Tammany Parish.
“There is much work to be done in St. Tammany Parish in the coming three years, and I will devote myself to accomplishing as much as I am able,” Davis said in the statement released Tuesday.
Parish government spokesperson Suzanne Parsons Stymiest said there was no one factor that made Davis change his mind, nor was there any pressure on him to withdraw the legislation.
“It was Kevin’s decision,” Stymiest said. She would not elaborate on a reason for Davis’ action, but reiterated that Davis would continue the work he had started three years ago.
She said Davis had met with Parish Council members Monday, but there was no call for Davis to pull the bill.
“I believe the council would have passed it,” Stymiest said.
Parish Councilman Steve Stefancik, one of the sponsors of the bill, said last week other council members were not averse to the legislation.
“Most of the council is very happy with him,” Stefancik said. “He’s been a good leader in trying times.”
In Tuesday’s statement, Davis said he did have support from voters for a fourth term.
“I want to thank the many citizens who encouraged me to submit my name for consideration. I appreciate all your support,” Davis said.
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