Hoping to ‘continue legacy’

Tim Monceaux and Dr. Ezora Proctor will officially take over two city council seats that have been held for two decades by their respective predecessors.

At 1 p.m. today (Tuesday), both will be sworn in along with the seven returning council members, Mayor Greg Jones and Police Chief K.P. Gibson at Crowley City Hall. Monceaux will be replacing five-term Alderwoman Mary Melancon (Ward 4, Division B) and Proctor will be replacing Laurita Pete, who served four terms.

Melancon retired earlier this year and Pete did not seek re-election due to health concerns.

“Though we will definitely miss Mary and Laurita’s wisdom, it’s always good to get a fresh perspective,” said Jones.

Monceaux said he is looking forward to the challenge.

“I’m ready to jump in with both feet and get to work,” said Monceaux. “I hope to continue the legacy left by Miss Mary.”

He added that the campaign gave him a handle on what citizens in his ward are looking to address.

“Going house to house and speaking to people gave me some insight as to what people’s concerns are,” said Monceaux. “I would like to make our city even more beautiful, make it safer and create an economic climate where people will want to stay and raise their families here.

“The council has done a great job in recent years and I think that Mayor Jones, the returning aldermen and I will be able to achieve our goals and look ahead to the future.” 

Proctor has previous experience working  with members of governing bodies after serving for several years on the Acadia Parish School Board. She also has been active in her numerous civic roles in Crowley. 

“I look to working cooperatively with the mayor and the returning aldermen, city workers and residents to make our city a better place to live, specifically those who live in my ward,” she said Monday. “I feel as though it has been a calling from God to serve the people of Crowley and I’ll pray about anything that comes my way.”  

Taking the oath with both Monceaux and Proctor will be the returning members of the Crowley City Council, Vernon “Step” Martin, Elliot Doré, Steven Primeaux, Jeff Doré, Kitty Valdetero, Bryan Borill and Lyle Fogleman.