With a promise to “make Crowley proud,” Timothy “Tim” Monceaux was sworn in as the new mayor in ceremonies Thursday afternoon.
Monceaux succeeds Greg Jones, who did not seek re-election after serving four consecutive terms as Crowley’s mayor.
“I spent the last 12 years as mayor of the best city there is,” Jones said in brief comments before the oaths were administered. “I’m proud to say I have a lot of friends on the new council and on the old one, friends that I think can work together because, if we don’t work together, it’s not for the good of the city.”
Jones pointed out that he and Monceaux are both members of the Crowley High Class of 1977. “It’s not often that you see that happen.”
In closing, the outgoing mayor thanked everyone “for your kind words and prayers” during the last year as he was battling cancer.
“It’s been a bad year,” he said, the emotion obvious in his voice. “But if you don’t have a bad day, then you don’t appreciate the good ones.”
Jones received a standing ovation as he stepped down from the mayor’s dais for probably the last time.
His term officially expires at the stroke of midnight Monday.
Following the oaths of office, administered en masse by Clerk of Court Robert T. “Robby” Barousse, Monceaux thanked the standing-room-only crowd for braving Thursday’s stormy weather to attend the ceremonies.
“I also want to congratulate the council. I can’t wait to work with you,” he said.
“We have a big agenda for the next four years,” he said, turning his attention to the audience. “We will make Crowley proud and we will work hard to make that happen.’
In closing, Monceaux thanked Jones and the outgoing council members for laying the groundwork for the coming years.
Following the ceremonies in the council chambers of the Criminal Justice Building, a reception was held at city hall.
Also taking the oath of office Thursday afternoon were Police Chief Jimmy Broussard, Alderman-at-Large Steven Premeaux, and council members Jeff Cavell, Kim Stringfellow, Thompson Bradford “Brad” Core, Lyle O. Fogleman Jr., Vernon “Step” Martin, Byron K. Wilridge Sr., Clint Cradeur and Samuel “Sammy” J. Reggie III.
In addition to administering the oath of office, Barousse served as master of ceremonies for the program. U.S. Navy veteran Larry J. Monceaux led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rev. Matthew Higginbotham, pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Washington, delivered the invocation and the benediction.
Among the dignitaries attending the event were Allison Clark, representing the Secretary of State’s office; Rep. Mark Abraham, Rep, John Stefanski, 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jonathan Perry, District Judge John Trahan, Crowley City Judge M’elise Trahan, Acadia Parish Sheriff K.P. Gibson, Acadia Parish Assessor James “Jimbo” Petitjean, Crowley City Marshal Glen Deville, Acadia Parish Police Juror Peter Joseph, Police Jury Secretary-Treasurer A.J. “Fatty” Broussard, City Attorney Tom Regan, outgoing Councilmen Elliot Doré and Jeff Doré, and former Crowley Police Chief Al Gibson.