Sanamo makes bid for Lafourche council seat official

A prospective contender for the Lafourche Parish Council affirmed his intention to pursue a seat in the October gubernatorial primary election.

Gregory “Greg” Sanamo, who resides in Lafourche’s 7th District, announced via a press release that he would challenge incumbent Phillip Gouaux for the seat.

The council hopeful is campaigning on more transparency in the parish’s decision-making process, better communication and prioritizing business with local venders.

“I firmly believe that government is open to the people, and nothing should be held from the people,” Sanamo said. “There are reasons for making decisions that cannot be fully disclosed, of course, and it has to be played out and seen. In that same instance, I don’t think government should hold any secrets from people.”

Sanamo said parish government should improve its business relationship with local residents. “‘Cajunomics’ has been a catch phrase of local government for years,” he said. “Let’s practice what we preach and keep our local people working.”

The council hopeful is currently a crew leader and sales representative at Joe’s Septic Contractors.

Sanamo owned and operated Greg Sanamo Sanitation until its sale in 2006. He was the director of Lafourche’s Department of Parks and Recreation before he resigned earlier this year.

Prior to directing the parks and recreation department, Sanamo taught civics, world geography and physical education for four and a half years at South Lafourche High School, where he also coached baseball, soccer and strength and conditioning.

“After going to work for Lafourche Parish and seeing what’s all involved and some of the decision-making process that goes on between the council and the administration, I thought with my background and my knowledge of private business and my education and civics background, this would be the right move for me and the parish,” Sanamo said.

Sanamo is a graduate of South Lafourche High School and Nicholls State University. He is married to Ann Bouvier Sanamo, who serves on the Lafourche Parish School Board, and has one son, Kelly Joseph Sanamo.