Assessor’s death leaves Grabert in interim role

Confusion about how to proceed with the appointment of an interim parish assessor and changes to special election policies were discussed and resolved by members of the Terrebonne Parish Council during their regular session last Wednesday.

Following the Sept. 12 death of incumbent Terrebonne Parish Assessor Gene Bonvillain, who was not seeking re-election and intended to retire at the completion of his current term on Jan 1, 2013, policies handed down by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office led to confusion and outrage as candidates Loney Grabert, who has been working as chief deputy assessor, and Harvey Chauvin prepared for what they thought would be a final voter decision during Saturday’s runoff election.

Originally, the Secretary of State’s Office, which coordinates all election activity, said that regardless of Saturday’s runoff results, a special election for an interim assessor could not be held until November 2012. This directive did not answer filling the assessor’s office position in the meantime, other than through the end of 2011 when Grabert could function as an administrative next-in-line to complete the year.

Information provided by the Secretary through the end of 2011 when Grabert could function as an administrative next-in-line to complete the year.