By LEONARD GRAY – Managing Editor

HAHNVILLE – What comes around, goes around, in St. Charles Parish government. A face from a past Albert Laque administration is proposed for council ratification Monday as the director of the Department of Planning and Zoning.

Philip A. Dufrene, 52, of Luling, who served during Laque’s first term as parish president from July 1989 to January 1992 in the same capacity, is proposed for the position. The last director, Robert Landry, is not returning, due to ongoing health concerns.

During Landry’s health problems in recent months, assistant director Earl Matherne has filled in, until a permanent director could be found.

Landry, meanwhile, has applied for disability benefits.

Originally, Laque said, he planned to appoint Dufrene in January, but Dufrene was not available due to his current employment.

Dufrene is presently a residential building contractor, employed by Frickey Brothers Construction.

He started in that field after his earlier term as planning director, when he started first in home remodeling, then earned his contractor’s license (since lapsed). For the past eight months, he has worked for Frickey.

He commented he is looking forward to council confirmation, and added, “It’s going to be a challenge, but Earl Matherne is staying on as assistant director, and a lot of the same people are still there.”

Following his 1969 graduation from Hahnville High School, the son of former St. Charles Police Juror Roosevelt “Rooster” Dufrene, earned a degree in 1974 from Nicholls State University in personnel management.

Laque commented of his appointment, “He was a good man while he was there before, and I think it’s going to work out fine.”

Salary for Dufrene has not been set. Landry’s salary was $60,620, plus other benefits.

Both he and Robert G. Brou are on the agenda for Monday’s parish council meeting for confirmation. Department of Waterworks Director Brou was first appointed for Laque’s last term, moving up from superintendent, where he served for five years.

This complets the confirmation for Laque’s current “cabinet,” including Legal Services Director Robert Raymond, Finance Director Lorrie Toups, Emergency Preparedness Director Tab Troxler, Economic Development and Tourism Director Corey Faucheux, Community Services Director Robel Howard, Parks and Recreation Director Larry Matson and Public Works and Wastewater Director Gregory Bush.