Bill Fontenot has announced that his last day as St. Landry Parish President will be this Friday, August 21st. Fontenot said his decision to step down from his role in the parish government was made so that he might focus on his health.

Fontenot has been diagnosed with a type of skin cancer known as Squamous Cell Carcinoma. He based his decision to step down on advice offered by his care team and after a consultation with his family.

Fontenot was elected to his 3rd term as St. Landry Parish President in November of last year. During his tenure as Parish President Fontenot has been responsible for a lot of improvements in St. Landry Parish. In speaking with KLFY TV 10 Fontenot listed the Smooth Ride Program, balancing the budget, and improvements in the parish animal shelter as some of his more memorable accomplishments.

During Fontenot's medical leave of absence, the business of St. Landry Parish has been conducted by Chief Finacial Officer Amanda Cain and Administrative Coordinator Richard Lucito. Fontenot had designated Cain and Lucito with the task of keeping the parish running via executive orders earlier this year.

The St. Landry Parish charter calls for a replacement to be named within 30 days. The decision on who will be appointed to replace Fontenot will be in the hands of the parish council. Because Fontenot still has three years left in his term a special election will have to be called to fill the Parish President's seat.

 

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