L’Observateur / July 5, 2000

EDGARD – A very emotional Eliana DeFrancesch took the oath of office Friday morning, inaugurated into her first term as clerk of court for St. JohnParish.

In a crowded courtroom at the Edgard courthouse, friends, parish officials, family members and others watched as District Judge Madeline Jasmin administered the oath of office to DeFrancesch.

Sitting in the jury box watching the proceedings were such local luminaries as Parish President Nickie Monica, State Rep. Bobby Faucheux, St. John ParishCouncilman Cleveland Farlough and St. John Parish School Board memberLeroy Mitchell.

After the swearing in DeFrancesch took the podium and started to speak.

However, she was so emotionally charged that she had to take a few seconds to compose herself before continuing.

“I would like to thank everyone,” said DeFrancesch, “especially all my friends in the school system, my students and everybody who made it possible for me to be here. I could not have done it without you.”DeFrancesch said she will do everything she can to work will all government entities.

“There is nothing that can’t be accomplished if everyone works toward the same goal,” said DeFrancesch.

DeFrancesch has been working hard the past couple weeks formalizing her plans for the clerk of court office.

“I will begin immediately to bring about my campaign promises,” DeFrancesch told the audience. “Starting tomorrow I am bringing in a consultant to help usinstall new software and new computers to upgrade the office.”She has promised that the clerk’s office would move forward into the 21st century with new technology and new methods of record keeping.

“People remember only two kinds of service: bad service and excellent service. I plan to provide excellent service,” DeFrancesch said at the end ofher speech.

She received a standing ovation.

Afterward, food and drinks were served out in the courthouse lobby, catered by Councilman Allen St. Pierre.

Return To News Stories