By SUE ELLEN ROSS -Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – It was business as usual at the St. John the Baptist Assessor’s Office Monday morning, but with one difference. The man sitting at the Chief Deputy Assessor’s desk has received a distinctive professional advancement after 27 years of service.

Whitney Joseph, Jr. was elected Saturday as the first African-American Assessor of St. John Parish. Current assessor Henry Hotard is retiring in 2004

Unofficial totals show Joseph winning the race, with 11,928 votes (69 percent), over Councilman Duaine Duffy, who received 5,420 votes (31 percent).

“I couldn’t believe I won the election,” said Joseph. “This was the first time I have ever run for office.”

Joseph also feels good about being chosen as the first assessor and second African-American to be elected to a parishwide public office. “People are beginning to look at experience, not color of skin,” he said. “The people of St. John the Baptist Parish should be proud. I know I am.”

The former school teacher came to the assessors office in 1974. At the time, Henry Hotard, also new on the job, fostered Joseph’s professional growth. “He saw the quality in me and let me be myself,” said Joseph.

Carl Baloney, long-time friend and fellow member of the former Third District Voters League, also played a part in the story of Joseph’s professional success. The League, composed of African Americans, was formed in the 1970s and had a vision of minorities being appointed to public office. “When I won the election, Carl called me and said that my victory completed what we started more than 20 years ago.”

The assessors office ran smoothly in the 1970’s, despite the lack of technology. The staff was dedicated and patient. “The tax rolls had to be individually typed on (roller) typewriters, which took about six months,” said Joseph. “Now (with the computer) it takes one day.

Policies and procedures in the assessor’s office will stay pretty much the same. Joseph added that he will continue to assure a smooth-running operation.

Although St. John Parish residents will not see much change in the current office, new technology, as it becomes available, may play a part in the future.

“The job of the assessor is to fairly assess property.” said the assessor-elect. “That will not change.”