Something strange occurred at this week’s St. John Council meeting. Dale Wolfe told his fellow council members goodbye for the first time. However, the farewell came after Dale confidently told the audience he changed his mind and was not going to be resigning. The packed audience became deafly silent until Dale smiled and chuckled and said he was only kidding.

Since the formation of the St. John the Baptist Parish Council, Dale Wolfe has welcomed new council members and introduced them to the inner workings of St. John government. During his 25-year public service career, Wolfe has seen St. John grow from a small farming community into a large suburb of New Orleans. He has served as a constant reminder that the “small man” needs a fighter, and diversity in government and our community remains a challenge for political leaders.

As someone who worked with Dale for many years and has been on both his good and bad sides, I understand fully what Dale’s absence will mean for the council and the parish and the potential his desire will have on the tenants of the housing authority. In the past several decades, few have questioned Dale’s heart or challenged his tongue because those who did quickly learned to regret it.

Known for his witty quips and exhaustive oratories of “top heavy administrations” and “standing up for my people,” Dale has the ability to cut through the tension of a St. John council meeting by getting the audience to laugh or by making them absolutely silent as they listened to him rail for or against a proposed program or idea. As the longest serving member of the council and former police jury member, Dale’s personality will certainly be missed and his absence noticed. Dale left in typical Wolfe fashion with a humble chuckle and a quick joke. Councilman-at-Large Steve Lee referred to his favorite Wolfe-ism, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired,” to the laughter and knowing nod of all in the audience.

Dale’s recent naming as the executive director of the St. John Parish Federal Housing Authority surprised some and earned an understanding smile from others. Some may question his ability to manage the multi-million dollar federal housing authority, but others understand Mr. Wolfe’s desire to improve the quality of life of those in need.

The question now is…who will be running to replace Dale in the special election to be held next year?

And the last bite…

Recently, the family and I went to the new restaurant, Gilligans on the Lake, in Frenier off of Old Highway 51. I recommend the soft shell crab platter…but don’t even think about starting the meal without a serving of the jalapeno hush puppies (no butter required). Service was quick and friendly but a little background music is needed. The servings are ample and the prices are very reasonable, especially for seafood. I give it 4 crumbs! (out of 5)

Buddy Boe, a resident of LaPlace, is a former parish administrator and is well known on the local political (and food) scenes. This new column will appear regularly in L’Observateur.