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Carencro Mayor Charlotte Stemmans Clavier joins Discover Lafayette to share her journey in business and politics.
A life long resident of Carencro, Charlotte grew up in a political family. Both of her grandfathers served as police jurors for Lafayette Parish. Back in the day when political business was handled a bit more informally, and before open meeting laws, one of her granddads, Eddie Stemmans, would include her in political outings. Charlotte remembers “being the little girl sitting on an ice chest, that would go get them a beer. After watching it a little bit, I realized I wanted to do this! I’ve seen all sides of politics, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I always enjoyed it and knew I would run for public office.”
Charlotte graduated from Carencro High and three years later from Tulane University. While in college, she worked as an intern for Jim Gelpi, the founder of The Alliance for Good Government. She loved the experience and it shaped her attitude in serving others at the highest level of integrity and fiscal responsibility. Studying at Tulane also shaped her and Charlotte recalled the challenging studies offered by the university with a demanding expectation that students master educational materials. With her experience of working in the family business, Stemmans, Inc. – The Horse Supply Specialists, Charlotte was used to hard work and says, “I went to work at 11, ran my first store at 12, so my idea of college was different.”
Today, Charlotte is President of Stemmans, located on Gloria Switch Road, and responsible for the day to day operations of this iconic, family-owned store, originally opened in 1968 as a tack shop by her parents, Don and Janet Stemmans. She has worked in the business for 35 years.
Growing up in the horse industry has shaped Charlotte’s life; she gives back to the industry by currently serving as Vice President of Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, which represents all racehorse owners and riders in the state. While Charlotte hasn’t ridden a horse in years, she is the proud owner of racehorses and at our interview was looking forward to Evangeline Downs opening night on April 5, 2024.
Charlotte served as mayor pro tempore of Carencro from 1999 until 2003, during the tenure of former Mayor Tommy Angelle. She was elected mayor in November 2022.
“I love, love, love what I do. It’s the perfect job for me. I have a great group of people that work with me. Carencro is a community on the grow. We’re a blessed town. Many people are moving in, moving north, due to high insurance rates. There are 1400 homes in active development in the City of Carencro.”
With its rapid growth, there are many infrastructure needs to be addressed such as sewer plants, replacing old gas and water lines. Charlotte is also advocating for a new light to be installed by DOTD at the busy intersection of Ira and University Avenue.
"I am proud to announce that we are beginning the next phase of replacing our old water lines and moving one step closer to Carencro's occasional brown water issues becoming a thing of the past. Thank you to our fantastic Water and Sewer Department and Fenstermaker and Associates for moving our city forward with top-tier water infrastructure." – Mayor Charlotte Clavier
Posted by City of Carencro Government on Tuesday, April 2, 2024
News of the $8.9 million Louisiana Avenue extension from Butcher Switch Road to Gloria Switch Road, is exciting news for Carencro. Not only will this open up opportunities for development, but it will greatly assist commuter traffic. The project is expected to take a year or so to complete.
This November, the Carencro C’est Bon Seasoning Festival will be held at Pelican Park. Contestants can enter their seasoning blend to be judged by attendees, as well as sell their blend onsite. Visit https://cestbonseasoningfest.com/ for more information.
Charlotte Stemmans Clavier is only the eighth person to serve as mayor of Carencro. Founded in 1905, Carencro has historically seen very little turnover in its public servants and has also enjoyed a history of diversity in its elected officials, going back to the 1970’s when African Americans were elected to the city council. Carencro also had the first female police chief in the 1970’s.
Charlotte is the proud mother of three children, Derek, Anna Camille, and Eva.
A delightful person and friend to all, we want to thank Charlotte for beautiful joie de vivre she brings to every occasion, as well as for her public service.
If you haven’t checked out Carencro lately, we encourage you to drive over and enjoy its culture and magnificent scenery.
