C. H. “Sonny” Savoie of Paradis has announced he is running for St. Charles Parish Clerk of Court.
“I believe my proven experience in varied public, governmental and nonprofit leadership positions has prepared me to assume this role. I pledge to serve with diligence while fostering goodwill, teamwork and harmony,” Savoie said. “I am dedicated to building a customer service oriented organization that will meet the needs of the governmental and judicial systems, legal community and the public. I am committed to a service-leadership style and not for any political or personal gain.”
Savoie said the office needs more than just talk about modernizing public records and the use of technology. We must plan for them through accepted business practices.
“By instituting those measures through a long-range strategic planning process, we can improve the transition and case load between the courts and clerk’s office and become a model of efficiency, productivity and profitability.”
Savoie would bring extensive political experience to the position.
He has served as president of the St. Charles Parish School Board and led several state and national education organizations; serving as president of the following: National Federation of Urban/Suburban School Districts (1999-2000), Louisiana School Board Association (2001-02) and National School Board Association (2009-10).
Several organizations have recognized his leadership and service with the awards, including Archdiocese of New Orleans’ Order of St. Louis award, Louisiana Association of Computer Using Education State Award, National Guard and Reserve Seven Seals Award, and was named Louisiana School Boards Association School Board member of the year (2009). Savoie has represented District 4 on the St. Charles Parish School Board for 28-1/2 years.
He has been actively involved in numerous community organizations, including the Paradis Volunteer Fire Department, Westbank Water Board, United Way of St. Charles, River Parish Chamber of Commerce, served as a middle and high school mentor, and Junior Achievement Volunteer. He is a lifetime member of the American Legion and currently serving on the St. Charles Parish Board of Election Supervisors.
He retired from Texaco/Chevron where he was employed for 32 years. He owned and operated Savoie Equipment Sales and Services for 22 years. Savoie is a lector and parishioner of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and served as a parish council member for 35 years.
“The position of clerk of the court is not something simply to be attained, but comes with the responsibility and demand of dedicating time and effort in fulfillment of those duties,” Savoie said. “In essence, it’s called ‘working on the work.’ The clerk has a fiduciary responsibility, in addition to a legal obligation in the performance of his duties. It means learning and being able to perform each job and able to articulate and demonstrate effective practice. Proper evaluation systems of staff and self are a prerequisite to good managerial and leadership qualities.”He is a graduate of Hahnville High School, attended Delgado Community College and served in the U.S. Army’s Security Agency.
A resident of Paradis for 49 years, Savoie is married to Merle DeJean. He and, his wife, Merle, have two children, Amy Savoie and Julie Holleman, and four grandchildren: Sara and Emma Holleman, and Madeline and Tristan Toups.
“As clerk of the court, my main objective will be to provide high quality and prompt customer service to the judges of the district courts, governmental entities and the public,” Savoie said. “The people of St. Charles Parish deserve the best and I plan to make that a reality. It’s a call to duty and I would be honored to serve as your next clerk of court.”
Be the first to comment