EP Police Jury holds annual French meeting

The mood was light and festive at the Evangeline Parish Police Jury’s December meeting, better known as the French meeting.
There was plenty of adult beverages (Old Charter, Evan Williams, wine to just name a few) outside the Police Jury Room, while on the inside of a packed house of more than 50 people featured tables of food and desserts courtesy of Miss Sue’s Cafe in Turkey Creek.
Police Jurors, who all wore their Sunday best attire, mingled with residents and local leaders alike, including Turkey Creek Mayor Heather Cloud, Sen. Eric LaFleur, Rep. Bernard LeBas, Rep. Mike Huval from Breaux Bridge, Ville Platte City Judge Greg Vidrine, Parish Judge Gary Ortego and District Attorney Trent Brignac.
The meeting had plenty of laughs as those addressing the jury and jury members were both forced to speak French. Juror Lamar Johnson didn’t hide the fact he wasn’t fluent in French as he had longtime Police Jury employee Wilbert Ardoin translate the French to him.
“That’s why he is sitting behind me,” Johnson said.
Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court Randy Deshotel kicked the meeting off with an opening prayer.
As those in attendance bowed their heads, Deshotel said, “My God, we ask you to please bless all the citizens of Evangeline Parish during this Christmas season... and ask that you help the elected officials of our parish to work for the benefit of its inhabitants.”
After Deshotel wrapped up the prayer, William Saunders, grandson of Judge John Saunders, then led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Saunders though wasn’t done as he then asked the Police Jury to bring back an old tradition.
Saunders explained that more than 30 years ago, the Police Jury would every year, either before or after the December meeting, take a photo with all those individuals that held public office. The photo served as a snapshot of those individuals that were there to serve the public.
“The Police Jury does a great job of preserving the tradition of speaking French with this meeting,” Saunders said afterwards. “Taking this photo is just another way to keep that tradition alive for the younger generations that will be speaking French in the future.”
Despite all of the French fun, the Jury did perform business duties during Tuesday’s meeting.
After LaFleur addressed the Jury concerning tax millage renewals, the Jury approved having 13 such measures placed on the ballot for the March 25th election.
In other business, the Jury approved:
• Appointed Tiqua Manuel as a member to the Mamou Fire Protection District No. 1.
• Appointed Elizabeth West, Shane Trahan and Todd Fontenot to the PEMAC/CCC/LEPC boards.