Williams takes helm of T’bonne council

District 2 representative Arlanda Williams became the first woman to lead the Terrebonne Parish Council after she was elected by fellow members last week to chair the council for 2009.

Williams is also the second African-American to become chair. District 1 representative Alvin Tillman led the council in 2007.

Williams was the only member nominated for the chairmanship, replacing District 6 Councilman Clayton Voisin as chair.

“I hope to bring the same sense of unity to the council that got us through Gustav and Ike,” she said. “I will work with council members and listen to what they say.”

Williams said she asked council members to support her effort to become chairwoman, promising to keep an open mind. She said she was glad her colleagues had the heart to support her.

The Houma native was appointed to the council in 2006, winning elections to the seat in that year and in 2007.

“I served under three fine chairmen, Peter Rhodes, Alvin Tillman and Clayton Voisin,” she said. “Each had a strength I could pull from.”

Williams, 37, is the second youngest council member. Only newly-elected Councilman Kevin Voisin, 32, is younger. She was vice-chairwoman in 2008.

Williams, a Houma native and Terrebonne High School graduate, said her late grandfather worked as a porter for Terrebonne Parish for 25 years.

“I had to accept that he wouldn’t see his granddaughter rise on the council,” she said. “He didn’t get to see me, so I had mixed feelings. I know the love he had for the parish. I’m glad I could give back.”

District 5 Councilman Johnny Pizzolatto was elected vice-chairman for 2009.