Grand Isle mayor to face competition

The field is now officially set for municipal elections in the Town of Grand Isle after qualifying for town offices closed Friday afternoon.

The election, scheduled for Feb. 9, 2008 will see voters choosing a mayor, police chief and five members to serve on the council of Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island.

Mayor David Camardelle is seeking another four-year term. He is opposed by Frank “Paco” Besson. Both men are registered as Democrats.

Voters will also select a chief of police for the town. Incumbent Euris Dubois is seeking a second four-year term. Also seeking the seat are Norris Esponge Jr. and Frances Laurendine. All are registered as Democrats.

In addition, all five seats on the Grand Isle town council are up for election to new four-year terms. Longtime Seat “A” council member Ray Santiny and Seat “B’ member Jay Lafont were unopposed for another term on the council.

Three individuals have qualified for the Seat “C’ position, including longtime incumbent Roger Camardelle Sr.

His challengers are Paul Frazier and Clifford “Dixie” Santiny. Camardelle is listed as a Democrat while Frazier does not claim a party affiliation and Santiny is a Republican.

Three candidates are also seeking the Seat “D” position on the town council. They are Ray “Ray Ray” Arabie, Aubrey “T-Black” Chaisson and Stephen “Scooter” Resweber. Incumbent Alzire Lafont is not seeking re-election to the seat.

Arabie and Chaisson listed no party and Resweber is a Democrat.

Incumbent Carroll Allemand qualified to seek another term to the Seat “E” seat and is challenged by two opponents.

Also seeking the seat are Leoda Bladsacker, a Democrat, and Christopher “Godfather” Santiny, a Republican. Allemand qualified as a Democrat.

Any runoffs resulting from the Feb. 9 election will be held on March 8.