By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – When the inauguration occurs in July of 2012, St. John the Baptist Parish will have its first new sheriff in more than 16 years, as Mike Tregre defeated incumbent Wayne L. Jones, who was seeking his fifth term.

Unofficial results show Tregre garnered 63 percent, or 9,393 votes, while Jones picked up 35 percent, or 5142 votes. The third candidate, former auxiliary deputy Aaron Lions, received 2 percent, or 288 votes.

Tregre, the former public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office, said the win was “thoroughly satisfying” and added he is looking forward to living up to the expectations of the residents of the parish.

“The people have spoken,” Tregre said. “They are looking for new energy and new results and I am not going to let them down. They know me. They know my platform. I am ready to get to work.”

At the Jones camp, the sheriff addressed his supporters and his staff and told them to hold their heads high. He said he plans to continue to work for the next eight months in the same way he worked the past 16 years. He said he enjoyed his time as sheriff, but is now looking forward to spending time with his family.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Jones said. “I intend to remain in the parish for a long time.”

Tregre said that he will work with Jones in an effort to foster a smooth transition before taking office officially in July.

“I want everything to be smooth, Tregre said. “That’s all I ask.”