J. Marshall Jones, Author at Marshall Jones For Congress

A Bipartisan Family: More in Common Than Not

J. Marshall Jones — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 22:00:51 +0000

Family says a lot about a person. My father was a Democrat and is the reason that I registered “Democrat” at 18 years old – 42 years ago! At that time, the “Republican Party” was in its infancy. My beloved wife, Cindy, is a Republican. So, the first person I talk to every day, and the last person I talk to every night, is a smart, Republican woman. And I listen to her advice! My sister and brother-in-law are actually elected Republican judges in Caddo Parish. My sister, Frances Jones Pitman, is on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. She is brilliant and dedicated, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. Her husband, Mike Pitman, on the district court, is an avid runner, and expert marksman. Although I think that I could “out shoot” him if we competed. I ran both of their campaigns and was proud when they won. My family of choice includes my childhood friend James E. Stewart, Sr. He’s a Democrat and is doing an exemplary job as our new Caddo Parish District Attorney.

When you look at my family, what you should see is a willingness to work across party lines, to see people and not politics, and look for the best idea regardless of the source. The people of the 4th District deserve someone who won’t be partisan, who won’t hold our future ransom for political interests, and who will stand up for both our values and our pocketbooks. I’m not pretending to be that person. I live that life every single day.

I am proud of our party’s bipartisan efforts: neither party has a monopoly on good ideas or smart people. We have smart and dedicated people on both sides of the Congressional aisle. It would be a tragedy to only be willing to work with one group of people in Washington. I won’t make that mistake. I will work only for the people of the 4th District and I’m ready to do that from Day One.

The post A Bipartisan Family: More in Common Than Not appeared first on Marshall Jones For Congress.

My friend Sarah Hoffman

J. Marshall Jones — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 23:09:47 +0000

One of the most defining moments in my life and career is the opportunity I had to fight alongside my friend Sarah Hoffman for the rights of students with disabilities in Caddo Parish. Sarah and I petitioned Caddo Parish Public Schools, asking them to make structural changes that would allow students in wheelchairs to attend public school alongside their peers.

Together, Sarah and I won that fight. I know that Sarah‘s story will touch your heart as it has mine.

The post My friend Sarah Hoffman appeared first on Marshall Jones For Congress.

3 Questions on the Presidential Race

J. Marshall Jones — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 21:46:38 +0000

During the presidential race, many Americans expressed concern about the economy and the security of our country. In the weeks following the election, citizens across the district have asked me how I will address these concerns. Read my answers to important questions to learn more about my common sense plan for a brighter future for Louisiana.

1. Marshall, if elected, will you be able to work with the new Trump administration?

Absolutely—from Day One. Throughout my campaign, I agreed with two of Mr. Trump’s principle messages: First, that “the system is rigged.” And second, that many of the residents of Northwest Louisiana — both white and black — feel a strong sense of economic abandonment by our country because of the loss of good jobs and economic opportunity in our region of the state. Mr. Trump also campaigned on an issue that Democrats and Republicans have long championed in Northwest Louisiana—that we all have a shared desire for “principles of strength” that includes a strong military, a strong economy and strong families. Mr. Trump also champions the domestic oil and gas industry by promising to remove regulations that burden the industry. And he champions spending more on our crumbling infrastructure, putting people back to work, and preventing American companies from moving jobs overseas.

As you may recall, I purposefully did not get involved in the Presidential race, nor did I endorse the Democratic candidate for President, Sec. Clinton.

2. Marshall, you are pro-life, pro-family and pro-Second Amendment. Why are you running as a Democrat?

Louisiana has a very different political climate. Most Louisiana Democrats that I know are personally pro-life, pro-family, and pro-Second Amendment. We are a very conservative State. I registered as a Democrat at age 18 and, while the National Democratic Party has shifted “left,” I remained a conservative Democrat who recognizes the sanctity of every human life and will protect our Second Amendment rights. As a committed Christian, I will defend our Constitution’s founding principles of faith, family and freedom.

3. Marshall, you are a business lawyer, a businessman, a farmer, and you are active in the oil industry. How does that add up to a Democratic candidacy?

As a businessman, an oil and gas operator and a farmer, I will continue to stand for Louisiana energy and agriculture jobs. As part of our economic plan, we need to unleash our nation’s energy and manufacturing sectors to bolster jobs for working men and women, regardless of their party affiliation or race. As a life-long resident of Louisiana, I am for giving all people in Louisiana a chance at the American Dream. Like you, I am tired of the “far right” and “far left” fighting over everything in Washington and nothing gets done. We can do better than that. We will do better than that.

—-

With my business experience and commitment to the people of the Fourth Congressional District, we can fight for a better future for our state and our country.

Together, we really can do better.

The post 3 Questions on the Presidential Race appeared first on Marshall Jones For Congress.

In Response to John Settle

J. Marshall Jones — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 17:48:26 +0000

In response to John Settle’s negative “editorial” about me that he distributed via mass email today, I simply state the following:

During the last few years I have been previously involved as an attorney in several different matters relating to John Settle’s multiple alleged acts of unethical and unprofessional conduct. These multiple alleged acts of unethical and unprofessional conduct ultimately resulted in Mr. Settle being sanctioned for his misconduct by the First Judicial District Court, and also being sanctioned by the Louisiana Office of Disciplinary Counsel. Additionally, on October 2, 2016, Mr. Settle was suspended by the Louisiana Supreme Court from the practice of law. Mr. Settle has also recently written and delivered personal letters to me that are filled with angry, hateful and untrue comments about me and my family. I chose not to respond to his letters.

In further response to John Settle, I am also reminded of the instructive verse contained in Matthew 5:44: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; ”

I sincerely extend to John Settle my prayers and kindness, and I wish him all of the best in his future endeavors.

Marshall Jones
November 17,2016

The post In Response to John Settle appeared first on Marshall Jones For Congress.

Happy Labor Day! Today we celebrate you.

J. Marshall Jones — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 15:53:20 +0000

This weekend we celebrate what has made America the backbone of the world economy and the lynchpin to global security: you! Yes, you: the hardworking men and women who go to work every day without fanfare or applause and keep our schools, hospitals, military, small businesses, factories and energy industry going.

We celebrate, but for many of you, there has been less to celebrate lately. Jobs are scarce. 18,000 have lost good livings in the energy industry in the last few months. The minimum wage is unable to sustain even those willing to work two jobs. Equal pay is still not a reality. Our families are under attack, and the financial situation has put strain on marriages and communities and churches like never before. Washington has ignored our state and allowed our roads and infrastructure to fall into dangerous disrepair, putting additional burdens on us all. But things can change.

The good news is the campaign to bring jobs back to Northwest Louisiana is well under way. This past week alone we visited over 7 parishes in the district to meet with community leaders to hear the issues that are important to their area. Our Facebook page reached over 28,000 people. We received several more law enforcement endorsements from District Attorneys and Sheriffs across the state. We were also endorsed by the AFL-CIO and by Shreveport Bossier teachers. We are pushing forward toward the finish line, but we need your support!

We can bring jobs back, revive our economy, support our families, and protect the values we hold dear. We can do better. It will take us all, banding together, deciding principle is more important than parties, and making a change for our district. Let’s come together to make Labor Day a holiday to really celebrate again.

The post Happy Labor Day! Today we celebrate you. appeared first on Marshall Jones For Congress.

What I Learned In Evangeline Parish: Flooding is a Federal Issue

J. Marshall Jones — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 18:55:43 +0000

The post What I Learned In Evangeline Parish: Flooding is a Federal Issue appeared first on Marshall Jones For Congress.

Flooding in Louisiana, a Federal Issue

J. Marshall Jones — Sat, 20 Aug 2016 15:39:31 +0000

The flooding in Louisiana is very serious. The current effects of the LA Flood may cause more devastation and a bigger footprint than Hurricane Katrina. Many who have been affected are paycheck to paycheck folks—this is financial ruin on top of incredible physical damage to property. The places that have been hit the worst are areas that have never had flooding, i.e. not located near rivers and bayous. This has created an urgent need for all Louisiana residents to have access to affordable flood insurance for the future and sufficient financial support for those who have already lost so much. This is a federal issue. We need people in Congress who will fight for every resident of Louisiana and won’t allow Washington to continue to ignore our crisis.

Flooding has become the new normal in our state as the Fourth Congressional District has just endured huge flood events in the last 18 months. Many of our own friends and neighbors have lost their homes or sustained extreme damage not once, but twice. Flooding has been caused by the Red River’s decreasing capacity as silt has continued to collect in the Red River basin without regulation or attention. Flooding has also been caused by federal locks and dams. This is a federal issue. Our state is suffering in part because of Washington’s neglect.

Our campaign is sending water and supplies to our Louisiana neighbors affected by these storms. We hope that you are joining in the effort in whatever way you can. What we know is that Louisiana folks are resilient; the Cajun Navy is hard at work. The question is whether the federal government will do what is needed in the short AND long term to literally keep our beloved state from floating away along with our unique and vibrant culture.

The post Flooding in Louisiana, a Federal Issue appeared first on Marshall Jones For Congress.

Together, We Can Do Better

J. Marshall Jones — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 09:18:49 +0000

Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, I am one of you. I am not another politician. Like you, I want a better future for my family. Like you, I’ve watched our region suffer: jobs have left, plants have closed, rigs have been stacked. I’ve had enough. It’s time for change. Of course I’m pro-military, pro-life, pro-Second Amendment. The difference is I have the business experience to actually bring jobs back to our part of the state. Many candidates talk about change – I can actually make a difference for our families, our children, and their futures.

For over 40 years I have worked beside you and stood with many of you. Now, I will stand for all of us as a United States Congressman. I will advocate on behalf of industry and every working American. Experience matters. Commitment matters. I have the experience and commitment to make Louisiana better.

Join me! Together, we can do better.

The post Together, We Can Do Better appeared first on Marshall Jones For Congress.

A Lawyer’s Mid-Career Memoir

J. Marshall Jones — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 09:07:59 +0000

Two events recently happened to me that confirms “life comes at you fast.”

First, I became a grandfather for the first time as my beloved oldest daughter gave birth to a healthy, beautiful granddaughter. A fantastic life experience, but you don’t become a grandfather unless you’ve lived more than just a few years.

Second, I was asked to write my “memoir” for publication. My memoir? In addition to living a long time, isn’t a prerequisite to writing and publishing a memoir either that I have been really successful or my accomplishments have been worthy of remembrance and record?

I know that whatever “success” I have had has been very modest in comparison to the “Super Lawyers” I read about in national publications. Nothing I have accomplished has changed society for the better, or garnered significant media attention. Some of my personal observations and experiences might be interesting to SB Magazine’s readers. Remembering the old adage: “Write what you know,” I’ll share not only a short personal memoir, but also what I know about the Shreveport-Bossier legal community based upon my personal observations and experiences.

I knew in my early teens that I would become a lawyer. Because I was married and a father while still a teenager, I set my goal to become a lawyer earlier than my peers. I graduated from SMU in three years with good grades and applied for admission to the LSU Law Center. Fortunately, I was accepted.

My 30-year-old memories of law school are still vivid. The Socratic method of teaching law (which focuses on giving students questions, not answers) was alive and well in the 1970s. My law professors were respected authority figures who intimidated you just enough to fire you up for the intellectual and emotional challenges of law school.

My law professors also taught me a new respect for the Boy Scouts’ motto “Be prepared,” as my professors seemed to probe me with questions often. I made the Law Review, which was a significant achievement for me, particularly when I knew law students smarter than I occupied nearby seats in every class. I actually enjoyed law school – much more than college – because, in my mind, my law courses began to connect me to the real world and prepare me to enter my chosen profession.

The cases we read for each law class were based on actual factual disputes; there were winners and losers in each case, with the outcome based upon the application of established legal precedent to a new set of facts. And, years later, I still understand that the rigors and discipline of law school taught me that I went to law school to learn: how to think analytically like a lawyer.

Being asked to assess my own legal career to date resulted in a realization of many things I have not ever considered. My early years as a lawyer allowed me the opportunity to meet and interact with the best local lawyers of “The Greatest Generation” – lawyers like the late (Judge) Henry A. Politz (later the senior judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit), Sidney E. Cook, Charles L. Mayer and John M. Shuey; and the very much still alive and well federal appellate judge, Jacques L. Weiner, Jr., Robert Roberts III and Bill Pesnell – all splendid lawyers, excellent in every respect, who treated all other lawyers with the utmost professionalism while advocating their clients’ positions, and who were each involved as volunteers in various civic and charitable work.

In the 22 years since I assisted, at age 29, in the founding of our law firm, I have not had a cross word with any of my present or former law partners. While I often hear stories of conflict and dissension that might exist in other law firms, I look forward to coming to my law office every day and working with my smart, hardworking law partners. My law partners and I share the thought that the best prize life may have to offer a lawyer is the chance to “work hard at work worth doing.” Our clients are confident we can assist them. And we do assist them – by managing the crisis, negotiating the transaction and trying the case.

And, despite having been involved in literally hundreds of business transactions and lawsuits – most of which fortunately involved the payment of a legal fee – my most fond recollections involved matters where I earned no fee. Writing these words has prompted me to go through a desk drawer in which I keep personal mementos and photographs, and perhaps more than my share of letters from former clients who were appreciative of past legal work done well.

In my desk drawer I came across an old photograph from the early 1990s of 18-year-old beautiful, but physically disabled, Sarah Hoffman, sitting behind me in her wheelchair, along with other wheelchair bound students, as I argued before the Caddo Parish School Board that federal law required the School Board to provide handicap access to physically disabled children like young Sarah Hoffman.

While Sarah Hoffman is unfortunately now deceased, I can recall that this smart, brave child – born with no arms and unusable lower limbs – was probably the bette advocate of the two of us. The Caddo Parish School Board heard our argument: “Has not life placed enough obstacles in the lives of these disabled children?” and, because of Sarah Hoffman’s legal demands, ultimately agreed to provide handicapped access at various schools throughout Caddo Parish, at no small expense to the School Board.

I also came across a 1968 photograph of my childhood friend James Stewart and me, when we were seventh graders at Broadmoor Middle School. Many of you know James Stewart as Judge James E. Stewart of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Stewart was my first friend who also happened to be black. The camaraderie of athletics, playing on the Byrd High School football team, and simply being boys of the same age brought us together at a time when racial tension was tearing our community apart. We became friends in the late 60s during the time of forced desegregation. I am proud that we have remained close friend for 40 years. Today Judge James Stewart and his older brother, Judge Carl E. Stewart, are leaders of our legal profession and our community, and both have dedicated their lives to helping people through the legal system.

This writing assignment also caused me to look at and read a few of my collection of letters and notes I’ve received over the years from former teachers, coaches, neighbors, friends, relatives and others who took the time to write and thank me for assisting them with different legal matters that were serious and important to them. In each and every case, the principal reward was knowing that people I care about had confidence I could assist them, and I did assist them in their time of crisis and need.

Finally, this writing assignment and the passage of many years have caused me to realize that a real paradox exists with respect to the image of lawyers. The image of lawyers is a topic of great debate, and lawyers are the subject of criticism, both just and unjust. All too often, criticism read or heard about the legal profession includes the line from Shakespeare, “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.” Shakespeare was wiser than those critics of the legal profession who borrow his words out of context. Shakespeare understood that the legal system serves as a foundation for an orderly society.

Just as a “dog bites man” story is seldom novel or interesting enough to warrant significant media exposure, a story about the lawyer who seeks to serve the public interest is seldom considered newsworthy. Media coverage of the legal profession seems greatest only in the unusual case where a lawyer or judge has taken unjust advantage of his client or his position.

I realize that as long as our profession continues its tradition of defending the rights of unpopular persons, lawyers cannot expect great adulation from the public. I also realize that a negative image of lawyers may always exist to some degree because lawyers will continue to function in an adversary system that produces winners and losers; they will continue to litigate claims involving personal rights and liabilities, property or money; and they will continue to charge fees that even the “winners” sometimes feel are exorbitant.

It’s news when a lawyer is jailed for contempt of court, or is charged with a crime. It’s news when a lawyer is disbarred for misappropriating client funds. But it’s news only because it happens so seldom.

Why isn’t it news when the Shreveport Bar Association’s “Pro Bono Project” lawyers provide free legal services to the poor, the elderly, veterans, and the homeless? Why isn’t it news when a member of the Shreveport Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section provides legal advice to the public or the elderly in nursing homes or provides assistance to the Providence House? Why isn’t it news when lawyers throughout the state organize their efforts to help provide legal assistance to Hurricane Katrina victims? Why isn’t it news when my own law partner, John S. Odom, Jr. (now a retired USAFR JAG Corps Colonel) goes on active military duty to serve our country for almost two years while in his fifties?

Because these types of activities by lawyers happen all the time. As someone once said, “If the stars could only be seen once a year, everyone would turn out to see them.” The media doesn’t inform the general public about lawyers’ public service efforts, because these efforts are a way of life for the vast majority of lawyers – they happen every day.

Perhaps someday the next generation of local lawyers will regard my professional contemporaries, like John Frazier, A. M. (Marty) Stroud III, Larry Pettitte and David Taggart with the same high degree of admiration and respect I still hold for the late Judge Henry A. Politz, Sidney E. Cook and others.

As time passes quickly, I increasingly understand “success” to be less related to the financial rewards of my law practice and more related to being successful in my personal relationships with my wonderful wife and children, my family and friends, and my professional colleagues. Perhaps 20 years from now SB Magazine will again ask me to share my “memoirs” as a lawyer then in my 70s. While I have participated in more transactions and more lawsuits, and may even be “successful” by then – I will still understand that the best prize life has to offer a lawyer is the ability to work hard at work worth doing; and I will still be very thankful for my many blessings.

The post A Lawyer’s Mid-Career Memoir appeared first on Marshall Jones For Congress.

Meet Marshall Jones

J. Marshall Jones — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 15:43:09 +0000

Let me tell you a little about myself so you know many of us share more than just home. I was born in North Louisiana and will be buried in North Louisiana. My family has lived in Caddo Parish for six generations. I know most every politician claims to have been born in a log cabin. I wasn’t. But my grandfather was. His name was Marshall Carl Jones. He had a third grade education, was a heavily decorated World War I veteran, and a roughneck in the oil patch beginning in 1906. He was wounded twice in battle in France in 1918 – “The Battle of the Argonne Woods” – it was the bloodiest battle in American history. He was a patriot who had a huge impact on me.

I was born to two loving parents. Our family home was on Atkins Street, literally next door to my grandfather’s home.

My dad’s name was also Marshall Jones but everyone called him “Bubba.” He was the best man I’ve ever known. He was a man of faith who had a profound impact upon me. My dad was the first person in the Jones family to receive a college degree. I was the second to receive a college degree. My sister, Judge Frances Jones Pitman was the third. It was my grandfather with the third grade education who told us regularly that education is a key to success in life.

My dad was a petroleum engineer and a drilling contractor. He worked his drilling rigs during downturns in the oil business, operating at a loss just to keep his hard working drilling crew employed. My dad was the North American trapshooting champion and a near-world champion duck caller. I literally grew up in duck blinds throughout Louisiana from age 4.

My mom’s name was Joan Coughlin Jones. She was beautiful, artistic, and athletic. And she was proud of her Irish heritage that traces back to County Cork, Ireland. We tragically lost mom in a house fire a few years ago. She was one brave woman during her last week after the fire.

I grew up on Atkins Street near the Centenary Gold Dome. I attended Creswell Elementary School, Broadmoor Middle School and C.E. Byrd High School – “the City of Byrd” – all great public schools. I am the product of the Caddo Parish School System during the period of forced integration – the late 60s and early 70s.

I recall meeting one of my best friends, James Stewart – now the Caddo Parish District Attorney – on the first day of “desegregation” of Broadmoor Middle School. We were 12 or 13 and played football and basketball together. We were teammates who were united by sports during a time a racial turmoil. James and I stayed at Byrd High School together the first year of “forced integration.” Because of the racial tension, there were police officers stationed all around Byrd for weeks.

Playing football for the Byrd “Yellow Jackets” is still one of the highlights of my life – being a part of something bigger than me for the first time and uniting with young athletes of different races and different backgrounds -that led to two really good teams in a row that went to the state football playoffs. Two of my best friends received scholarships to go play for LSU. My only claim to fame is that I started on Byrd football teams where about everyone was a better athlete than me, and I was awarded the Scholastic Award after my senior season for my GPA.

I learned a lot at Byrd High School – how to work as a team with persons who are from different backgrounds, and how to be successful. Together we can make a difference. My high school coaches and teammates, both black and white, had a huge impact upon me. I also learned the value of public education and public schools. Were it not for public schools, many of you would not be standing here today. If it were not for public schools there would be more have-nots and haves. God bless our public schools and bless our teachers. It makes me angry when they are disrespected.

I received a business degree from Southern Methodist University’s “Cox School of Business,” majoring in accounting. I graduated from SMU in three years with good grades – grades good enough to allow me to be admitted to LSU School of Law. I made good grades in law school and became a member of the Law Review. Early in legal education, I became a supporter of a strict construction of our United States Constitution.

I have practiced business law and oil and gas law for 37 years. I primarily represent small businesses and persons/ entities involved in the oil and gas industry. For decades I have also provided legal services – pro bona – for “faith-based” organizations as well as those who are mentally or physically challenged. I am very proud of the fact that during my 37 years of practicing law, I have not had a single ethical complaint filed against me – not one.

I am also a businessman, an oil and gas operator, and operate a farm. My hobbies include hunting, fishing and spending time at our farm on Caddo Lake.

I am married to the beautiful redhead Cindy Thompson Jones. She is as smart and kind as she is beautiful. She is from South Webster Parish. She is a very successful banker. We met over 25 years ago at a loan closing at Hibernia Bank in New Orleans, where she worked. When I first asked her out on a date, she politely said “no.” I am very fortunate that she finally said “yes” and agreed to go on a date with me, and later said “yes” when I asked her to marry me.

I am now the father of three children and the grandfather of seven. Their future is bright, but two of my children already live away from this area and the third knows that she can’t return unless the opportunities change. I want them all to be able to come home and thrive here. I want your kids to stay and feel proud of their home town. I want you and your family to prosper with new jobs and economic development and the promise that the next generation will be better off than the last. That’s what you want too. The difference is, I’m the only candidate with the business experience to make our dream a reality.

This election is about our children, our families and their futures. Join with me. Together we can do better.

The post Meet Marshall Jones appeared first on Marshall Jones For Congress.