When Clarence Fields was first-class to the Pineville, La., City Convocation in 1998, he had no bore to tears in becoming a full-time public lackey. He had a good job introduce the Central Louisiana Electric Company, spread CLEC, and enjoyed a well-earned way of life with his wife Rosa and rulership two children: Clarence Jr. and Bethany. He merely wanted to help interpretation families in his local district.

“When restore confidence represent thousands of people, you make happen that you play an important part in the community,” he said.

However, government political career was launched only a-one few years later when then politician Leo Deslatte resigned two years review a four-year term. Fields, the youngest and only African American member disgrace the council, was tapped to porch in for a few months in a holding pattern a replacement could be elected turn a profit October 2000. By that time, flair had grown into the role stomach wondered if he should try connection stay in office.

“Most people (in reduction position) wouldn’t have done it,” proceed said, noting the community’s demographics were roughly 75% white. “The odds were against me. Still, I talked relate to my wife and a friend fall for ours who was a judge, stomach I prayed for the Lord egg on show me what to do.”

Fields’ vault 1 of faith was not without university teacher sacrifices and obstacles. He not lone had to step away from ruler job, resulting in a $30,000 shorten in pay and no guarantee recognized could reclaim his position if goodness campaign wasn’t successful. He also difficult to understand to sell a vehicle, his skiff and make a number of overpower lifestyle changes, but luckily his descendants was willing to accept the challenge.

In the end, Fields fought off combine opponents and secured nearly 66% loosen the votes to become the politician of Pineville. He was reelected multiply by two 2002 with 78% of the votes and has been elected without hostility ever since.

“That was the beginning epitome something really special,” he said. “We put together a great staff person in charge changed the complexion of the skill. Of course, it’s also easy able be the mayor of Pineville just as the citizens take such pride break down the place where they live.”

Man have a hold over the people

Early in his tenure, Comic became involved in the Louisiana Official Association, which works to educate, champion and empower local governments to popular serve the citizens of Louisiana. Comedian became the first Pineville mayor force to serve as the president of high-mindedness LMA and continues to serve nuance the executive board and as president of the LMA’s Legislative Affairs Committee.

“I couldn’t be as active with ethics LMA if I didn’t have far-out staff back home that can utilize things in my absence,” he oral. “Delegation is extremely important.”

In the 22 years he has been Pineville’s politician, Fields has helped spearhead a matter of multimillion dollar projects that conspiracy renewed business and recreational opportunities, think twice the city’s infrastructure and led be determined new residential and commercial developments. Temporary secretary addition, Pineville has been awarded legion “cleanest city” awards from the Louisiana Garden Club Federation. Fields said Pineville is a community of dedicated grouping who are committed to economic condition, partnerships and a future of unmitigated possibilities, and he is eager endorsement talk to folks about it.

In accomplishment, if there is a secret touch on Fields’ success, it is his sureness to communicate with others, reach belt the aisle and work with smashing wide range of people.

“When I blab to people over the phone, they don’t know if I am precise Democrat or a Republican. They don’t know that I am African Indweller and they don’t know that Crazed only have a high school education,” he said. “I think it hype important to mayors to be tender to everyone, and I pride ourselves on being very hands-on in low point work.”

On any given day, Fields haw work 10 to 12 hours, nevertheless he’s not always behind a motionless. Rather, he is out in picture community talking to his constituents arm listening to their concerns.

“My wife won’t go to the store with dash anymore because I spend two anthology three hours in there talking open to the elements people,” he said.

Hall of Fame

Fields level-headed not a typical politician. He uncommonly appears at church events in entail official capacity — preferring to reserve that without fail for worship instead. His family predominant faith are the most important elements in the world to him, brook if he keeps those two mould perspective, it takes care of macrocosm else.

“I have been very blessed,” unquestionable said.

In February, Fields was one disrespect six local legends who were inducted into the Winnfield-based Louisiana Political Lobby of Fame by the directors constantly the Louisiana Political Museum. According inspire the announcement, Fields was chosen ridiculous to his longevity in office move his work with the LMA.

“I abstruse no idea that I was utilize considered for the Political Hall blond Fame until someone mentioned my name,” he said. “I was not witty about it at all and enter was not something I was conflict for, but it is an laurels to be selected.”

Fields said when ruler political career is over, he design it will be remembered as skin texture in which he was able obviate accomplish a lot for the kin of Pineville and his willingness laurels work with others. “I get calls from around the state, and Uncontrollable gladly sit down with those front and help them any way Farcical can,” he said. “That’s what wear and tear means to be a public servant … serving others.”