Michel Claudet

Michel H. Claudet
President of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, USA
In office
2008–2016
Deputy Natalie Robottom[1]
Patrick Gordon (Interim)[2]
Al Levron[3]
Preceded by Don Schwab
Succeeded by Gordon Dove, Sr.
Personal details
Born (1948-09-20) September 20, 1948
Lockport, Louisiana
Political party Republican
Profession Businessman, Attorney, Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Life Underwriter
Religion Roman Catholic

Michel H. Claudet (born September 20, 1948) is the current President of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. First elected in 2007, he was the first Republican to be elected President of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, and the sixth person elected as "parish president" of the combined City of Houma and Terrebonne Parish government. In 2011, he was overwhelmingly re-elected in a historic landslide. An attorney, businessman, CPA and CLU, Claudet had never before held political office.

Early years and education

Claudet was born in Lockport, Louisiana. He graduated high school in 1966 from Holy Savior Central High School in Lockport. After graduation, he chose Louisiana State University as his college, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970 allowing him to take the test to be certified as a CPA. While working full-time as a CPA, he went on to further his education and graduated in 1977 from Loyola Law School with a Juris Doctorate.[4]

The election of 2007

Claudet giving victory speech on election night

Claudet announced his candidacy for Parish President in August 2007 with his "New Way" campaign. After months of campaigning, he faced off against Sheriff Jerry Larpenter, Former Parish President Barry Bonvillain, Businessman Mike Fesi II and Solid Waste Director Eulin Guidry in the October 20 primary election. No candidate receiving a majority of the votes cast, Claudet (31%) and Larpenter (37%) were elected to go against each other in a run off election.[5]

On November 17, voters went back to the polls and chose the political newcomer, Claudet (53%) over the popular incumbent Sheriff, Larpenter (47%) in what was considered to be a major political upset.[6][7]

2011 campaign for re-election

Claudet announced in November 2010 that he intended to seek re-election in October 2011. Other candidates included Former Parish Council Chairman Clayton Voisin, Former Parish President Barry Bonvillain, business owner Michael Fesi Sr., and Herdis Neil, a cattle rancher from Dulac, LA.[8] Claudet was overwhelmingly re-elected in the primary election with 61% of the vote on his platform of continued levee construction, drainage improvements, and lower insurance rates.

Electoral history

2007 Race for Terrebonne Parish President – Primary

Voters to choose one:
Name Votes Percent Outcome
Barry P. Bonvillain, Dem. 5,620   20%    Defeated
Michel H. Claudet, Rep. 8,731   31%    Runoff
Michael Fesi II, Rep. 2,326   8%    Defeated
Eulin Guidry, Rep. 1,013   4%    Defeated
Jerry J. Larpenter, Dem. 10,395   37%    Runoff

2007 Race for Terrebonne Parish President – Runoff

Voters to choose one:
Name Votes Percent Outcome
Michel H. Claudet, Rep. 11,629   53%    Elected
Jerry J. Larpenter, Dem. 10,344   47%    Defeated

2011 Race for Terrebonne Parish President – Primary

Voters to choose one:
Name Votes Percent Outcome
Barry P. Bonvillain, Dem. 3,547   15%    Defeated
Michel H. Claudet, Rep. 14,873   61%    Elected
Michael Fesi, Sr., Rep. 3,133   13%    Defeated
Herdis Neil, No party 332   1%    Defeated
Clayton J. Voisin, Dem. 2,332   10%    Defeated

References

  1. ↑ Naomi King (2008-01-31). "Terrebonne’s new parish manager leaves for state job". HoumaToday.com. Retrieved 2012-02-09. C1 control character in |title= at position 11 (help)
  2. ↑ Naomi King (2008-06-12). "Parish planning director gets interim promotion". HoumaToday.com. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  3. ↑ Naomi King (2009-05-23). "Terrebonne president selects parish manager". HoumaToday.com. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  4. ↑ "Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government". Tpcg.org. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
  5. ↑
  6. ↑
  7. ↑ "Hear who won the parish president’s race?". HoumaToday.com. 2007-11-18. Retrieved 2012-02-09. C1 control character in |title= at position 34 (help)
  8. ↑ Nate Monroe. "Candidate list growing for Oct. 22 elections". HoumaToday.com. Retrieved 2012-02-09.
Preceded by
Don Schwab		 President of the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government Michel Claudet
2008–2016 		Succeeded by
Gordon Dove, Sr.
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