By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Qualifying for the state’s numerous spring municipal elections started on Feb. 12 and ran through yesterday 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.

As of press time mid-day yesterday, three candidates had announced their intention to run for the seat.

Luling resident and Republican Julia Fisher-Perrier, the current District 7 councilwoman, said she would campaign for the seat. 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, who listed no party affiliation, 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.

The third candidate is Democrat Jarvis Lewis. A former deputy St. Charles Parish assessor, Lewis said if elected he plans to fight for adequate levee protection on the west bank.

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.