Harlan Kirgan
Outgoing St. Landry Parish President Bill Fontenot has recommended the Parish Council name Van Reed as the interim president.
Reed, of Eunice, is serving as the director of Emergency Preparedness and public information officer for parish government. He was appointed to the position by Fontenot.
On Tuesday, Fontenot announced his resignation effective Friday citing his need to focus on his health. Fontenot was diagnosed with a type of skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma earlier this year.
In February, Fontenot named Amanda Cain, chief financial officer, as parish president designee. He also authorized Richard Lucito, administrative coordinator, to act on his part.
Fontenot has not attended Parish Council meetings since then.
Coby Clavier, Council chairman, said the Council is to meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday to name an interim parish president.
Fontenot’s recommendation to name Reed was read to the Council at its meeting on Aug. 19.
The meeting was conducted by teleconference.
Council member Jerry Red indicated the appointment may not go as the former president suggested.
“I just want to remind the Council to use your own mind and choose who you think is best for the position and not put a person who don’t know anything about the parish,” Red said.
Nick Gautreaux, a consultant to parish government who read the letter, said it was “suggested” that Reed be named.
According to the parish’s charter, the parish council has 30 days to appoint a replacement for Fontenot.
There are three years left on Fontenot’s term.
Fontenot was serving his third term as president. The position pays $105,000 a year.
The interim president would serve until an election could be held. The next available election dates are March 20 and April 24, 2021, according to a letter from the secretary of state’s office.
Reed said when he learned Fontenot was planning to resign he volunteered to step up and help keep the parish moving forward.
“We are trying to put in place several things to make the government run a little more efficient,” he said.
“Mr. Bill’s letter kind of surprised me but I was very honored by it. Now it is all up to the Council if they want me or not,” he said.
Fontenot’s letter, dated Aug. 19, stated the following.
All of you have been working hard to make our Parish prosper. Although we may not have always agreed, I believe we all had the same intentions of making St Landry Parish a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
In all my years of public service, this job has been the most challenging but most rewarding opportunity I have ever had. As I reflect on my administration’s success, I look forward to the continued fiscal transparency and financial strength progress.
Although I will not be able to lead my team because of my health issues, I can assure you that our executive team, managers, and hard-working employees will continue our progress for generations to come making St Landry Parish a great place to raise our families.
Council members, I know that we often agreed on public policy issues, and seldom did we disagree.
With that being said, I have one suggestion that I would ask of all of you.
I would ask all members to appoint a person who publicly will agree not to run for parish president.
I would ask that you consider Van Reed. He is a person of integrity. He has been involved in the major issue facing our state and community, which is COVID 19, and has led our parish response valiantly. I am confident that Van can continue our Council’s and my administration’s progress to make St Landry Parish a great place to work, live, and, most importantly, raise a family.
Members, I humbly ask you to appoint Van Reed as Parish President until such time a new Parish President is elected.
Having Van as the Parish President will allow any councilmember or citizen who chooses to seek the office, to run with confidence, knowing no one person will have the advantage of holding the title.
Finally, I want to leave my fellow citizens, staff, and council members with this message:
This illness has taught me how precious and short life can be, so never waste a moment on pettiness.
We are always told life is short, to live it to the fullest — but we never really appreciate life until a loved one or you yourself are dealt the cards of fate!
This illness may have taken my strength, but it will never take my soul or my love for my fellow citizens and this great Parish.
God Bless America, and God bless our Parish during these troubling times!
One final question: What will you do members?