Lemoine is Elton’s newest mayor

Published 9:41 pm Saturday, December 10, 2022

JENNINGS — Councilwoman Kesia Lemoine was elected as the new mayor of Elton during Saturday’s runoff election.

Lemoine carried the election with 211 votes, or 54 percent, defeating Brandon Kelley, who had 178 votes, or 46 percent, according to complete but unofficial results from the Secretary of State’s Office.

Lemoine has served on the Elton Town Council for eight years and has been the mayor pro tem for the last year.

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The seat was vacated by former mayor Roger “Tony” Laughlin who resigned earlier this year.

Former councilwoman and town clerk Avella Ackless had been serving as interim mayor until her death on Nov. 29.

Fifty percent of Elton’s registered voters turned out for the election.

Voters in the Broadmore Gravity Drainage District in the Lake Arthur area renewed a 10-year, 8.8-mill property tax for maintenance, improvement and operation of the drainage district. The measure passed by a vote of  211 – 62, or 77  percent in favor, with a voter turnout of 10 percent. It is expected to generate $305,400 annually.

Voters in Gravity Sub-Drainage District A of Gravity Drainage District 1, also in the Lake Arthur area, renewed a 10-year, 11.39-mill property tax for maintenance, improvement and operation of the drainage district. The tax, which is expected tor generate $110,100 annually, passed 30- 20 or 60 percent in favor. with a 15 percent voter turnout.

Jeff Davis Parish voters also favored all three constitutional amendments on the ballot.