Bertha Walker
January 14, 2008James Akins
January 16, 2008
New Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet took the oath of office from Parish Clerk of Court Bobby Boudreaux near the end of a special Mass early Monday afternoon in the center aisle in front of the altar at St. Francis Co-Cathedral in Houma.
Claudet’s mother, Bessie Claudet, was at his side.
Sam Jacobs, bishop of the Houma-Thibodaux Diocese, stood directly in front of Claudet – who sat in the first pew – while delivering the homily.
“We’re praying another hurricane doesn’t hit us,” Jacobs said. “As vulnerable as we are, we know we have to pray to God.
“Your vision for our parish for the next four years can only be fruitful if, personally, you’re a disciple, a man of prayer and if you look to the Lord for guidance,” he told Claudet. “In times of your administration, when you’re faced with a crisis, go to God.”
Claudet said he hopes “the bishop’s words… will guide my life and the people of Terrebonne for the next four years.”
Monday evening, the new 2008-12 Terrebonne Parish Council was sworn in at a ceremony at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. Afterward, the council held its first meeting.
The former council was seated and then adjourned “sine die,” not to meet again.
The council has four new members-Billy Hebert, District 3; John Pizzolatto, District 5; Leland Robichaux, District 6, and Joey Cehan, District 8.
By a 7-2 voice vote, the council selected third-term District 7 Councilman Clayton Voisin to be the body’s new chairman. Councilwoman Arlanda Williams was chosen unopposed as vice-chairwoman.
Claudet gave his first public remarks at the meeting, saying, “As I’ve gone through the parish, you’ve touched me to the bottom of my heart.
He said the quality of life in Terrebonne can change.
“We have a mandate to improve Terrebonne Parish,” he said. “We can work together to solve the issues.”
New Parish President Michel Claudet and friend Diane Oldham walk down the aisle of St. Francis Co-Cathedral immediately following a special Mass Monday. * Photo by CHRIS SCARNATI
