By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The only St. Charles Parish race that will be on the ballot on the Nov. 19 runoff election is for clerk of court. The race pits incumbent Charles Oubre against former Councilman Lance Marino.

Oubre has served as the parish’s clerk of court since Jan. 1, 1979, but he said he was not surprised by the results of the election.

“I figured it would be a runoff,” he said.

Oubre said heading into the runoff he has no plans to change tactics.

“I’m going to try to get my voters out,” he said.

In seeking another term in the position, Oubre cited he wanted to provide job security for his staff, many of whom have worked for him for many years. He also stands on his more-than-30-year record as clerk.

“I think we’re doing fine and have a good system,” he said.

His challenger, Lance Marino, sees things a little differently.

Referring to the total percentage of voters who voted for either Marino or a third candidate, Fenwick Swann, Marino said, “I’m impressed that over 60 percent of voters agreed that its time for a new direction for the clerk of court’s office.”

Marino said his plans for the office would be to make some simple changes to make the office more up to date and easier for the average citizen to access.

“Just some basic, affordable changes,” he said.

He said many of these changes could be made by simple upgrades to the office’s email system and website.

“One of the problems at this point is the general public has limited access to public records,” he said.

Although Swann has declined to endorse either of his opponents so far, Marino said part of his strategy heading into the runoff will be to target those areas where Swann performed well.

“I know these voters are inclined to vote for change,” said Marino.

Marino has also said he has no plans to “clean house” if he is elected.

“I need that experienced staff,” he said.