Barney Arceneaux, the four-term mayor of Gonzales, will resign from his post this spring to serve as the next executive director of the Louisiana Municipal Association, a nonprofit that lobbies for more than 300 cities and towns across the state, Gonzales officials said.
Arceneaux had been planning on a run for a fifth term but became a candidate for the top LMA job after its now former director, John Gallagher, retired in early February.
Municipal elections are on the Nov. 5 presidential and congressional primary ballot.
In a statement, Arceneaux, a Democrat, called the job as Gonzales' mayor "a labor of love." He was also previously the Ascension Parish city's elected police chief after working up through the ranks for years聽in the police department.
鈥淎fter much reflection, I have made the difficult decision to resign as mayor of Gonzales. Serving this community has been the honor of a lifetime 鈥 I鈥檓 immensely proud of the work we have accomplished together and the foundation we have laid for the future of Gonzales,鈥 Arceneaux said. 鈥淥ver the last 16 years, we鈥檝e seen significant investments in our economy, infrastructure and culture."
City officials said that under Arceneaux's leadership, Gonzales has secured more than $21 million in federal and state grants to support major recreational upgrades, buy land for a passenger rail station and double the city鈥檚 water and sewer capacity.
Arceneaux took office in January 2009 and served during a continued growth wave in the city and surrounding parish. Between 2009 and 2022, the city grew by nearly 35%, hitting 13,059 people, the latest census estimates say.
In an interview, Arceneaux, who has previously served as president of the LMA and of the state police chiefs association, said four or five other mayors suggested he run for the opening once Gallagher had left and the search for his replacement began.
Arceneaux said he found out about the LMA post midmorning Friday after he and another finalist appeared before the board and the panel then voted. Arceneaux said the other finalist was also a south Louisiana mayor but declined to name that person, citing LMA policy.
LMA officials did not disclose on Friday who else was seeking the opening during the search or how many candidates applied.
In all, Arceneaux, a Gonzales native, has worked for the city on and off as a police officer, police chief and mayor for about 45 years and, now at 72, is leaving for a job outside his hometown, though just down Interstate 10 in 香港六和开奖历史记录.
"It's bittersweet. I've got some wonderful employees working there right now. It's a great team," he said, adding he hopes the next mayor would keep them.
The City Council must appoint an interim mayor until the mayoral election this fall. Arceneaux will continue to serve as mayor through the end of April "to ensure a successful transition of power," city officials said.
Councilman Tim Riley has already announced his intention to run for mayor this fall.
Gallagher retired from the LMA and moved with his family to Texas after seven years as director and many more in other capacities.
