Breaux Bridge native and resident Albert “Buz” LeBlanc said he wants to restore people’s faith in St. Martin Parish if elected sheriff by using a combination of leadership and management skills he earned in the U.S. Navy.

“You just need to restore faith in law enforcement, and you do that by doing the job they expect law enforcement to do, to protect and serve, and that’s not being done.”

LeBlanc, 62, said he is running because he is dissatisfied with the current administration.

“We pay the same taxes, and all services we receive seem to be decreasing,” said LeBlanc. “Crime is on the rise. Drugs are on rise, and less and less seems to be getting done about it.”

LeBlanc said St. Martin’s loss of the correctional facility in Breaux Bridge, now run by the State Police, the loss of the Juvenile Detention Center in St. Martinville and the lack of cleaning crews contributed to the parish’s woes.

“They mismanaged the system and lost money so they closed (the jail) and said they’re saving taxpayers money,” LeBlanc said.

LeBlanc earned his bachelor’s in education in 1974 from what is now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He then served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, retiring as a lieutenant commander. He also earned a master’s degree in history in the early oughts from ULL and graduated from the Louisiana State University Police Academy.

He has served as a narcotics agent and correctional officer with the Sheriff’s Office. LeBlanc halted pursuing his doctorate in history to aid his wife, Angelic “Angel” LeBlanc, 51, with her business, Angelle’s Healthcare Consulting. LeBlanc worked there until campaigning.

LeBlanc is a member of the VFW post 4125 and a member of the American Legion Post 133, both in Breaux Bridge. He is a supporting member of the NRA, and enjoys reading and researching history and genealogy in his free time.

Also running for Sheriff are Corey Broussard, Brian Theriot and incumbent Ronny Theriot. Early voting starts Saturday and election day is Oct. 24.