Larpenter to run for parish president

A week after Parish President Don Schwab announced that he would not run for re-election, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Jerry Larpenter announced that he would run for the office.

In an announcement that he would not seek re-election as sheriff, Larpenter added his name to the list of parish president candidates for this fall. “I believe I possess a special knowledge of this parish, as well as the ability and energy to continue serving you, the people of Terrebonne,” said Larpenter. “Therefore, I also announce today that I will seek the office of parish president this fall.”

Larpenter has served as sheriff of Terrebonne Parish for the past 20 years. He pointed to that experience as a building block to the seat of parish president.

“I have seen first hand and had to deal with many of the problems we face in Terrebonne,” he said. “The issues of coastal erosion, hurricane levees and protection, and expanded population and its effect on our infrastructure.

In Larpenter’s time as sheriff, he has increased road patrols, narcotics officers, school resource officers and detectives, along with expanding office space.

“All of this has been accomplished,” he said, “by living within my budget and balancing that budget every year.

“I believe my past hands-on experience with virtually all areas of our government, and with our citizens and private sector … will make me the right person … to serve as (the) next parish president,” he added.

Larpenter to run for parish president