OPELOUSAS, La. (AP) - New leadership is ahead for a southwest Louisiana parish after its president announced his resignation Tuesday.
St. Landry Parish President Bill Fontenot said he’s stepping down to focus on his health. Earlier this year, Fontenot was diagnosed with skin cancer.
“After much deliberation, I have decided it best that I step aside,” Fontenot said. “This was not an easy decision to make, and it is a decision that I made in conjunction with my family and physicians.”
Fontenot said he would officially step down at the end of the day on Friday, KLFY-TV reported.
“It has been a great run, and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” said Fontenot. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done for the parish. I truly believed we worked to move St. Landry Parish in the right direction.”
Fontenot, 68, was elected to his third term as president last November. His first four-year term began in 2012. He took a medical leave of absence in February and has been receiving his $105,000 annual salary since then. Fontenot appointed Finance Director Amanda Cain as the parish president designee to work in his absence.
According to the parish’s charter, the parish council will have 30 days to appoint a replacement for Fontenot, and because there are three years left on Fontenot’s term, a special election will need to be called.
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