St. Martin Parish President Guy Cormier announces resignation

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St. Martin Parish President Guy Cormier announced his resignation Tuesday, January 16th during the parish council’s Administrative/Finance committee meeting. Cormier said that he would be leaving office on March 2, 2018.

"It has been a great honor to have served the citizens of St. Martin Parish for the past 18 years," Cormier said. "I am proud of the work that the council and my administration have done collectively to make St. Martin Parish Government more transparent, responsive and accountable to our constituents and businesses. Our work has made our great parish an even better place to live, work and raise a family. Although there is still work to be done, it is time for me to pass the baton to someone else. I am also extremely pleased to start a new chapter in my life, where I will be able to continue my work in helping shape public policy that drives government to better serve Louisiana's citizens."

Parish President Cormier began his service to the citizens of St. Martin Parish in 1999, being elected to the parish council, after the parish went from a Police Jury to a Home Rule Charter form of government. He was reelected as a council member for a second term in 2003. In 2004, when former Parish President Scott Angelle resigned his position, Cormier entered the race for Parish President in the special election to fill Angelle's unexpired term, emerging victorious with 62% of the vote. He went on to be reelected in 2007, 2011 and 2015 without opposition. In 2016, Cormier was selected by fellow parish presidents, police jurors and parish council members statewide to serve as President of the Police Jury Association of Louisiana.

Upon leaving office, Cormier will remain involved in matters facing parish governments, as he will join the staff of the Police Jury Association of Louisiana leading governmental and legislative affairs, as well as assisting the Executive Director in the daily operations.

Executive Director Roland Dartez said, “We are extremely excited to have President Cormier join the staff of the Police Jury Association of Louisiana. His hard work, dedication and ability to bring people together for the common good will be a welcome addition and valuable asset to our 94 year old organization.”

Background Information

Until a special election is held, a vacancy in the office of Parish President shall be filled by appointment within fifteen (15) days after the vacancy occurs. Said appointment shall be effected by the favorable vote of a majority of the of the parish council.

The parish council, within fifteen (15) days after the vacancy occurs, shall call an election to fill the vacancy. The election shall be held according to the timetable and procedures established by the state law for the filling of vacancies in elected local offices.

The next available election date is November 7th of this year, which is when municipal, school board and congressional races will be held in St. Martin Parish.