Wilrye remains as Westlake police chief
Heather Regan White / The American Press
Incumbent Chris Wilrye will once again serve as Westlake police chief after defeating opponent Cpl. Jason P. Ledet, an eight-year veteran of the police department,
Wilrye received 1,069 votes, or 73 percent, over Ledet who trailed with 400 votes, or 27 percent, according to unofficial results from the Secretary of State’s website.
Wilrye was elected chief in 2014. During the campaign he touted upgrades to the department’s computer system, and new cars, computers and tasers under his leadership, much of it purchased with donations.
In an interview Tuesday night, Wilrye told the American Press he feels good about the race he ran.
“We set out to run a positive campaign and I feel that we did that,” he said.
The Westlake Police Department will be moving into a new station next month. The chief said after the transition, his focus will be on safety.
“After the first of the year, we’re going to start looking at some of the problems brought to our attention during the campaign — like traffic,” he said. “We’re going to look at how we can make it safer for our kids in their neighborhoods.”
He said the department will strive for improvement daily and will make sure officers “keep up with their training and have the equipment they need to do their jobs.”
Also on the ballot, incumbent Betty Bates was elected to a second term as City Council member in Division C, besting opponent Sharmita Rideau with 729 to 702 votes, or 51 percent to 49 percent.