Alderman Meaux steps down from council

Just two days after winning re-election as District 2 alderman, Eric Meaux submitted his resignation from the post, effective May 1.

"It is with mixed emotion that I inform constituents of the 2nd District and fellow council members that I will not be able to serve another full term as alderman of the 2nd District," he wrote in a letter dated April 5. "I thank you for your support of confidence and it has been a privilege to represent your interests over the years. However, our family will be moving from the aldermanic district by the end of June, 2012, as a result of an employment change."

Meaux was elected to another four-year aldermanic term April 3 in an uncontested race. He currently serves on the Community Development Committee and chairs the Traffic and Safety Committee, and is council president.

City Clerk Carla Lesdesma said she expects the first year of the vacated term will be filled by appointment, with an election next April to fill the remaining three years of the term.

Further, she said, she doesn't expect the city to begin accepting applications for the post until mayor-elect Kathy Ehley is sworn in and able to form a selection committee.

In Meaux's resignation an nouncement, he went on to mention the improvements made to the Locker's property, cost-effective construction of a new fire station and an "overhauling" of the capital budget as high points of the six years he has served on the council.

"While there are numerous other successes and difficult decisions, I am more than satisfied that we have continued to improve the overall well-being and strength of our city," he said.

In his final weeks in city government, Meaux will work with mayor-elect Kathy Ehley and the new council president, when selected, to help them with their transition to their new roles, he said.

District 1 Alderman Pete Donegan said the council will miss Meaux: "He's a great guy."

Although the council brings on board three new aldermen through the April 3 election and now one to replace Meaux, he's not worried about transition pains. He pointed out that with a 16-person council there's still a great deal of consistency.

Meaux's fellow District 2 representative, Kathleen Causier, said she wishes Meaux well and commended his service to the city.

She also said Meaux's departure won't leave the district residents in the lurch, as they are welcome to call her with their concerns or questions.