09/14/2026
PROGRESS OVER POLITICS! ✍️
Recently, I was publicly recognized on HTV by our local State Representative as the “Gold Standard” of Marshals across the great State of Louisiana.
I appreciate the recognition, but the citizens deserve to know what is really happening behind the scenes.
"SMOKE AND MIRRORS"
While publicly praising the work of the Thibodaux City Marshal’s Office, I believe our State Representative is working with the former and current Mayors to weaken, undermine, and ultimately eliminate the independent role of the Thibodaux City Marshal's Office.
Why does that matter?
An independent City Marshal gives citizens another avenue to seek assistance and accountability when concerns arise within local government or law enforcement.
If the Marshal’s Office is weakened or eliminated, that independent voice disappears.
I also remember our State Representative proudly discussing on HTV that he financially supported my campaign in 2020. Yet, I have been told and have personally questioned whether he also allegedly encouraged potential opponents to run against me in 2020 and again in this election. If true, that raises a simple question:
Why publicly praise my work while privately working to defeat me?
Is it true that there are rumors that he could be appointed Chief of Police under the current Mayor administration if they are successful in the upcoming election?
“ONE BAND. ONE SOUND.”
My current Thibodaux City Marshal opponent "Mr. AL" has repeatedly stated, including in written correspondence, that he intends to work with law enforcement and the current Mayor administration, not against them.
So, inquiring minds want to know:
Who gave him his marching orders and his campaign talking points? 👆
HERE'S SOMETHING THEY DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW.
On a previous occasion, I requested assistance from the Thibodaux Police Chief, with whom I continue to have a good working relationship, because my office was short-handed at Thibodaux City Court.
A Thibodaux Police Officer was assigned to assist at the front entrance of the courthouse, which is one of my office's duty stations.
During that assignment, a citizen turned in a purse that had been found and gave it to the officer.
I later learned through community rumors not through an official notification to my office, that the officer was accused of allegedly taking cash from the purse and was subsequently charged with misdemeanor theft.
What concerned me most was that I was never contacted or notified about the incident, despite the fact that it allegedly occurred at a location where my office was responsible for security.
Meanwhile, rumors circulating throughout the community suggested that a Thibodaux City Deputy Marshal had taken the money.
That is unacceptable.
Our citizens deserve accurate information, transparency, and accountability.
The Thibodaux Police Department has many dedicated officers who want to work cooperatively with my office. I have always believed that our agencies should work together.
Unfortunately, under the previous administration and continuing under the current administration, I believe unnecessary political barriers have been placed between our offices.
As a result, when my office needs additional personnel, we now rely on the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office, where we have developed an excellent working relationship with the Sheriff and his Deputies.
And here's another example of how politics can hurt citizens:
Citizens sometimes receive warning citations and are required to wait in the lobby close to 1 hour for a busy Thibodaux Police Officer to become available to come outside and check or clear a violation, while my Deputy Marshals may already be standing at the front entrance.
I've offered to help with this process. In many cases, it could take approximately five minutes.
But instead of allowing us to assist our citizens, the current Mayor has refused to support or allow this partnership between our two agencies.
That's not progress. That's politics.
I don't care who gets the credit.
I don't care what political party you belong to.
I don't care who sits in the Mayor's office.
I don't care who wears the badge.
I care about serving the citizens of Thibodaux.
I am willing to work with any and every law-enforcement agency and elected official who is willing to put politics aside and do what is best for our community.
That's what leadership looks like.
That's what progress looks like.
And that's why I am asking the citizens of Thibodaux Ward Two to stand with me.
RE-ELECT CALVIN COOKS, SR.
THIBODAUX CITY MARSHAL — WARD TWO
NOVEMBER 3, 2026
