My name is Warren Daniel “Danny” Willett, and I am seeking re-election as Judge of the Thirty-Fifth Judicial District Court for Grant Parish. For over 17 years, it has been my honor to serve this community, ensuring that justice is fair, efficient, and grounded in the rule of law.
I am a lifelong resident of Grant Parish, the middle child of Keith and Tomi Willett of Pollock. I am a graduate of Grant High School, and have been married to my wife, Suzy, daughter of Sharon and the late Bob Rhinehart of Dry Prong, for 32 years. We raised our two daughters in Pollock and are active members of Pollock First Baptist Church, where I serve as a deacon, youth Sunday School teacher, trustee, offering counter and children’s church leader. Over the years, I have also supported and volunteered with numerous local organizations, including our public schools, Delta Waterfowl, Whitetails Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Grant 4-H Shooting Sports, and GYBA. I am a member of the Louisiana Bar Foundation and serve on the Grant Parish College and Career Advisory Panel. In my spare time, I enjoy exercising, hunting, fishing, wildlife habitat improvement, and training our two black labs.
After earning my accounting and law degrees from LSU, I practiced as an attorney at Stafford, Stewart & Potter in Alexandria. From 2002 until my election in 2008, I practiced and helped manage Tillman & Willett, LLC, with my law partner, the late Gary Tillman. My background in real estate, business, lending and successions prepared me well for the diverse caseload and administrative responsibilities of the Court.
The Role of a District Judge
A district judge must be well-versed across many areas of law, carefully determine facts, and faithfully apply the law. While jail is appropriate in some cases, our justice system must also aim to reduce future harm. That means using fines, education, treatment, and structured probation to hold individuals accountable while helping them become productive citizens.
As a fiscal conservative, I believe the Court must recognize Grant Parish’s limited financial resources. I have worked closely with the Police Jury to control operational expenses. By utilizing technology to improve efficiency rather than hiring more personnel, our small, dedicated staff manages thousands of annual filings. Michelle Calk, the Court’s Judicial Administrator has over 22 years of court experience. Vickie Jolisaint, has been employed as the certified Court Reporter for over 11 years. Nola Parker Day, who serves as the law clerk, has been employed for over one year. During my 17 years on the bench, the Court’s financial accounts have been audited annually with zero adverse findings.
Meeting New Challenges
Grant Parish is growing, bringing new opportunities and challenges, including rises in property disputes, custody conflicts, and substance abuse. One of the most serious issues affecting our families is addiction.
Our Court works closely with the Sheriff, District Attorney, and Public Defender to move individuals ready for help into treatment quickly. We partner with private, evidence-based providers and faith-based programs like Adult & Teen Challenge and Celebrate Recovery with impressive results. Likewise, those involved in domestic violence cases must complete intensive intervention programs before family reunification. We also collaborate with local educational providers and employers to ensure that those capable of working find employment to provide for their needs.
Principles Guiding My Decisions
The Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits judges from having private, outside communications about pending cases. To ensure fairness for everyone, our Court emphasizes scheduled pretrial conferences where all parties are represented to try to resolve cases without protracted litigation.
Several core principles guide my daily service:
- Every person is equal and deserves fairness, respect, and justice.
- I believe in a strict construction of our Constitutions and laws.
- Punishment must be balanced with rehabilitation and, when appropriate, mercy.
- The family, not the government, is the foundation for an individual’s development.
- Every person has a purpose in life that is best achieved through hard work, education and experience.
These past 17 years have been challenging, humbling, and deeply rewarding. The volume and complexity of cases have strengthened my understanding of the law and my appreciation for the people of this parish. I respectfully ask for your continued support and your vote.
Judge Danny Willett
Candidate for Re-Election, 35th Judicial District Court
Paid for by the Willett Judicial Campaign