By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler announced that qualifying begins today for the state’s Spring Municipal Elections.

Qualifying started today, Feb. 12, and runs through Feb. 14 at 4:30 p.m.

The only office from the River Parishes in the election is the Councilman At-Large Division B spot on the St. Charles Parish Council, which runs through 2015. While it is a parish-wide election, the parish’s charter stipulates only west bank residents are eligible to run for the seat.

Mary Tastet, the wife of former St. Charles Parish District 2 Councilman Shelley Tastet, filled the vacancy of the seat in early December 2013. Tastet became an interim member of the Council after Clayton Faucheux vacated the spot.

Mary first served on the Council starting in January 2013 after her husband resigned citing medical reasons. Billy Woodruff permanently filled that seat after an April election.

Despite her interest in the council, Tastet announced in December 2013 that she would not run for the seat when the parish held a special election to fill the position.

Two residents have already announced intentions to run for the position.

Luling resident Julia Fisher-Perrier, the current District 7 councilwoman, said she would campaign for the seat. Her political signs can be seen all around the parish.

If Fisher-Perrier were successful in her bid, the Parish Council would then have to call another special election to fill the District 7 seat. That term runs through 2015 as well.

Stanley Hebert of Des Allemands has also announced his candidacy to run in the special election. Hebert said his knowledge in the construction and maintenance industry would help him serve the parish and he would seek to redirect existing revenue and devote future revenue from property taxes to fund levee projects.

All candidates for local municipal races must qualify with their local clerk of court. Once qualified, candidates will appear on the Secretary of State’s website under “Elections & Voting,” “Get Election Information,” or “Search for Candidates.”

Spring municipal primary elections will be held on Saturday, April 5 and spring municipal general elections will be held on Saturday, May 3.

More information about qualifying can be found on the secretary of state’s website at www.sos.la.gov.