Dressel won't seek re-election as clerk of court

Cliff Dressel, St. Mary Parish Clerk of Court has announced that he will not be seeking re-election when his present term of office concludes on June 30, 2024, his office said Monday in a press release.

Dressel began his career with the St. Mary Parish Clerk of Court in June 1965 as a deputy clerk of court. In August 1969, he was appointed chief deputy clerk.

Dressel was elected clerk in July 1984 upon the retirement of his uncle, Benny Blakeman. He has been elected to 10 consecutive terms over 40 years, bringing his total service to 59 years at the end of his term.

Dressel is the only official to be elected as president of the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association for two terms.

Dressel attributes his success to hiring good employees and providing them with the training and equipment “to maintain and provide the highest level of service to the public, court system, legal community, and the parish’s official records as its custodian.”

Dressel thanked his longtime chief deputy clerk of court, Jane C. Pilant, his current employees and all of his retired deputy clerks for their excellent service throughout the many years.

Dressel also thanked his wife, Renelle Robicheaux Dressel, their children and family for their love and support throughout his long career.

And he thanked the people of St. Mary Parish for having the confidence to elect him to office and to a career that has been the source of great pride
and fulfillment.

When asked whether Dressel was concerned about someone breaking his record as the longest-tenured clerk of court in the State, Dressel commented that he’d “become concerned when they reached 50 years.”

Dressel is the latest in a line of St. Mary officials who will be leaving posts after this state and parish election year.

State Sen. Bret Allain, R-Franklin, is term-limited. He serves as chairman of the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee.

Sheriff Blaise Smith, who began battling health problems more than a year ago, also announced that he won’t seek re-election.

Parish President David Hanagriff is also term-limited. Homeland Security Director David Naquin announced recently that he is retiring, and Chief Administrative Officer Henry C. “Bo” LaGrange retired effected April 3.

The Parish Council approved Hanagriff’s appointment of Public Works Director Jean Paul Bourg as the new CAO.