Abbeville begins new administration with committee appointments

Only a few days removed from being sworn in, city of Abbeville officials jumped right into business during the first regular city council meeting under the new administration.
Mayor Roslyn White conducted her first meeting Tuesday night. As is custom for the new mayor, White appointed chairs for various committees.
“Mayor (Mark) Piazza put in place some committees during his final term,” White said. “I reviewed them, going into my first term as mayor. I thought it was a good practice to have, to try to delegate some duties. I want to give you (council members) an area that I hope you will concentrate on and bring ideas that we can present to the community.”
White appointed new Councilman-at-Large Carlton Campbell to head the recreation committee and the public safety committee.
Councilman Tony Hardy, who is entering his first term in District A, will be the chairman of the ordinance committee and the litter abatement committee.
Councilman Francis Touchet Jr., who took an oath for his sixth term representing District B, will once again chair the finance committee and the committee that pertains to the Chris Crusta Memorial Airport.
Councilman Brady Broussard Jr., District C, will return to his position as chairman of the insurance committee. Broussard will now focus on tourism and economic development, as White also named him the chairman of that committee.
Councilwoman Terry Broussard, who is beginning her second term in District D, will chair the streets and sidewalks committee, as she did during her first four years. Broussard will now oversee the parks committee as well.
The council voted unamiously to ratify White’s appointments.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the council also voted 4-0 to appoint Touchet as Mayor Pro Tem, a role he held for the past four years.
Councilwoman Broussard made the motion, with Campbell providing a second. Touchet abstained from voting. Touchet would conduct official duties in the absence of the mayor.
The council also secured appointments for professional services. Darnall Sikes & Frederick will continue to conduct audits and work with the city’s financial processes. Two firms, Primeaux, Touchet & Associates and Sellers & Associates, will handle the city’s various engineering needs.
White, who served District A on the council for the past four years, is ready to work with the council in her new capacity.
“I look forward to working with each of you,” White said. “I think we have a good council.
“I think we can all see eye to eye and do some great things for the city of Abbeville.”