ST. MARTIN PARISH, La. (KLFY) — Considered by many people as The King of the Atchafalaya Basin, Henderson Mayor Sherbin Collette recently won his 6th term in office.
News 10 sat down with Collette to talk about his journey over the years and what is next for him and the town of Henderson. Collette has been the mayor for the past 20 years. He claims to have never wanted to be in politics growing up, but knew he needed to do something for the future of the town he loves.
“I hated it,” Collette said.
Collette became mayor in 2004 after spending 10 years on the council. He says he brought the idea up to his family who backed him every step of the way. Over the 20 years, Collette says he has so many things he can say he is proud of including his work in roads, sewage and drainage. He credits his team and their willingness to put the community first.
“When we disagree with something, compromise. That way neither side wins and neither side loses. You know who wins? The people in the kids in this town (win). That’s the way I want to run the town. That’s the way I’ve been running, and It has been working,” said Collette.
Collette says what makes him feel the best is what he’s done for the down and the progress it is making.
“We have no limits on what we can bring this town with the interstate,” Collette said. “The interstate (I-10) is the most important thing, but the Atchafalaya Basin is right on the side of it. People want to see the Atchafalaya Basin.”
The biggest thing he says he wants to instill in the community is pride for the town.
“I want the people of Henderson to be proud of where they came from. When someone asks you where you are from, you say ‘Henderson,’” Collette explained.
As long as he is happy and healthy Collette says he will continue his work as mayor with big projects for the town and parish coming soon.
