October 22
October 22, 2007
Richard Weaver
October 24, 2007The race for Terrebonne Parish president will come down to a runoff on Nov. 17 between Jerry Larpenter, who has been Terrebonne Parish sheriff for 20 years, and businessman/lawyer Michel Claudet, the owner of several businesses in Terrebonne.
Incumbent Parish President Don Schwab did not run for reelection.
Larpenter pulled in 37 percent of parish voters in Saturday’s election with 10,395, while Claudet garnered 31 percent with 8,731.
“I’m happy,” Larpenter said, indicating the race had five strong candidates. “Getting the most votes is important.”
“Now there are two,” he said. “The issue will come up, What has each candidate done for the parish?”
“In the end, it’s a clear choice,” he said. “The majority of the parish will see Jerry Larpenter as qualified for the job.
When they see what I’ve done, I’ll bring the same attitude to parish government. We can move this parish forward in harmony.”
Claudet said he wanted to thank his supporters, the people of Terrebonne Parish, and his opponents for running a clean campaign.
“We’re getting our message across,” he said. “I’m happy to have made the runoff.”
Claudet is urging “anyone who supported the other candidates to please consider me in the runoff.”
“We welcome other candidates’ supporters with open arms,” he said
Former Parish President Barry Bonvillain polled third with 20 percent of the vote (5,620), and businessman Mike Fesi came in fourth with 8 percent (2,326). Eulin Guidry, parish solid waste administrator and former police juryman, was fifth with 4 percent (1,013).
Both runoff candidates are familiar figures, Larpenter from his years as sheriff and Claudet from his involvement with local businesses.
In the primary, Larpenter touted his experience with parish government. Claudet’s aim is to operate parish government more like a business enterprise.
