New Iberia, Iberia Parish: New Iberia native, local business owner, family man, and current Iberia Parish Clerk of Court, David Ditch (Republican), has announced that he is a candidate for Iberia Parish Clerk of Court.
David is married to Jessica Dill Ditch. They are the proud parents of Kate Avery, Walker and Sawyer. David and Jessica have served on numerous committees, boards and volunteered for many local charities. Giving back is rooted in the Ditch family. “I believe you must know how to serve before you can lead”, David said. “Jessica and I, along with our children, have been involved with many great organizations within Iberia Parish. We’ve served alongside many great people and have made life-long friends, friends who have made me a better person. It is with this same desire to serve that I proudly and humbly announce my candidacy for Iberia Parish Clerk of Court.”
David was sworn in as Iberia Parish Clerk of Court on Friday, May 31, 2019. Immediately, David called in independent auditors, accountants and attorneys to evaluate the state of the records and finances of the Clerk’s office. These efforts were to restore public trust in the Clerk’s office and to ensure a clean slate in moving the office forward with positive leadership and fiscal responsibility.
Having served as Chief Deputy from 2016 until being sworn in as Clerk of Court, David led efforts in updating to more technology driven and efficient processes and while managing revenue generation like a true business. Financial responsibility is and will continue to be driving force for David. “The Clerk’s office is entrusted with managing not only processes and filings for all legal aspects of Iberia Parish, but we are also our own revenue generating business. I will not only manage the finances accordingly, but I will also return money to the general fund, as it is intended to be handled” said David. Driven by David’s business experience and leadership, the self-generated revenue at the Iberia Parish Clerk’s office increased by 26% in three short years. By managing employee retention and allocation of responsibilities, payroll and insurance cost decreased by 10% from 2016 to 2018. During this period, with David’s leadership, the Clerk’s office became the only agency in Parish Government to voluntarily reduce funds received by Parish Government, increasing the Parish’s General fund. “By doing the right thing and being financially responsible, we are able to set a tone for how we do business in the Clerk’s office” said David.
In addition to financial improvements and a more conscience focus on service, David also led the efforts of bringing technology to the Clerk’s office. David initiated electronic filings of mortgage and conveyance documents, including the ability to access records and make payments online. Additionally, the Iberia Parish Clerk of Court has joined the Louisiana Clerk of Court Associations online portal which allows for statewide access to public records including land records, mortgage records, conveyance records and marriage records. Technology was also extended to the courtroom, allowing minute clerks and judges real time access to records. With forward-thinking leadership and applying for and the receiving of grants, technology is now a vital part of the Iberia Parish Clerk of Courts offices, a much needed and welcome improvement.
David is a 1995 graduate of Catholic High School (New Iberia) and a 2000 graduate of LSU where he received a degree in Business Administration / Entrepreneurship. David continued his education at LSU where he received a Masters in Business Administration and Finance in 2002. David is the owner of Home Instead Senior Care where he and Jessica provide a positive work environment for care givers who care for those in need during critical and challenging times in their lives.
David’s civic commitments include: Catholic High School Advisory Committee, Epiphany Day School Board member, past Iberia Parish council member for District 7, board member for the Iberia Republican Executive Committee, past board member for Kiwanis Club, and graduate of the Leadership Iberia class XII. David also was a recipient of the Daily Iberian’s 20 under 40. Additionally, David serves or has served in various coaching roles throughout Iberia Parish, including head coaching for Iberia Soccer Association, Evangeline Little League, Iberia Biddy Basketball and Iberia Youth Baseball Association. David is a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Iberia.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the hard-working staff at the Clerk’s office. We are like family and they are important to me. The positive changes we have made in a short time and their willingness to improve the Clerk’s office inspires me to stay at the Clerk’s office and win this election” David said.
David and Jessica invite all who wish to get involved and show their support to join them and their family as they host a campaign kick-off party on Thursday, June 27, 2019 from 5PM – 7PM at Antique Roseville, 2007 Freyou Rd, New Iberia, LA 70560. “Families are welcomed, drop in at your convenience. We hope to see everyone there where you will have the opportunity to hear about our campaign and sign up to volunteer” David said.
The Iberia Parish Clerk of Court position serves all of Iberia Parish. Election Day is Saturday, October 12, 2019 with early voting being from September 28, 2019 – October 5, 2019
