No African-American ever held the political position of constable in St. Charles Parish until 1976, when Rose Pierre-LeGaux decided to run for the office – and won. LeGaux received 62 percent of the votes over two other candidates, and the election has served her well – she’s still parish constable today, 31 years later.
“I remember seeing the position posted on the bulletin board that the parish was looking for a constable and I would pass by it every day when I was working at the courthouse and I would think to myself ‘Little Ole Me’ could never do this,” LeGaux, 58, told the Herald-Guide.
At the time, LeGaux was working for the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Department and says her experience convinced her to give it a try.
“I went into the election praying and I came out praying because I am not a politician, I am a public servant.”
LeGaux says as parish constable she is able to get out and about in the community she loves and sees positive changes everywhere.
“I have lived in St. Charles Parish for more than 34 years and my family roots are strong here,” she says.
“I visit areas of the community to let people see my presence and to let them know that I am here if they need anything.”
As parish constable, LeGaux works along with the justice of the peace to resolve minor disputes without the need of deputies.
“I have worked under four sheriff’s and Greg Champagne is doing an execellent job in this parish – I don’t hear about as many problems as I did before he took this office,” LeGaux says.
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