- Starbucks to remove extra fee for non-dairy milks
- Iberia Parish Medical Center celebrates new era
- Meet Abbeville's newest councilperson for District B
- Opelousas Water System desperately needs repairs, city engineer says
- The Memo: Trump garbage-truck stunt seeks to press advantage from Biden’s 'garbage' gaffe
Meet Abbeville's newest councilperson for District B
ABBEVILLE, La. (KLFY) -- Meet District B's newly appointed representative, Rachel Touchet Mouton.
Mouton is not new to the community. She's worked at the Walmart in District B for 31 years and has lived in the city for 23 years.
She is also the sister of former councilman Francis Touchet Jr., who stepped down from representing District B in September to focus on his responsibilities as superintendent for Lafayette Parish. Touchet served 22 years and six consecutive terms on the city council.
“I am very excited about the position I'm appointed to,” Mouton said. “I am very proud of what my brother Francis Touchet has started with the other city and I am looking forward to bringing my insights to the city to move it forward.”
Mouton describes herself as being family-oriented and kind. With her brother in a newer position leading in Lafayette Parish, she said it gave her the opportunity to step in and run the district that he had.
“When I was first approached to it, I didn't think of politics as something that I wanted to do just because in our family we just kind of like one person is in politics, you don't go into it yourself,” she explained.
She said she is interested in talking to residents and to see what can be done to help them out.
She noted that she already has some goals and has noticed needs and concerns in District B, such as fixing the street lights and lowering the speed limit in necessary areas.
“I do want to bring safety to the city and that's starting with District B and to help the city grow to where it needs to be. Some people might think that the city is not going in the right direction, but I don't think it's not going in the right direction," she said.
"I think we just need to work together as a team to make sure the city is going in the right direction and that's for every viewpoint. You know, residents, council, city people, police people, anybody that can bring safety to our city,” she continued.
Councilman Brady Broussard Jr. of District C said the council is happy to have Mouton represent District B.
“Great things are happening. It's something that we are proud for Acadiana to know,” Broussard said.
Broussard is also the city's newest Mayor Pro-Tem. As Mayor Pro-Tem, if Abbeville’s Mayor Rosyln White is not there Broussard would fill in.
“I appreciate the confidence that the council showed in electing me to the vacant mayor pro-tem position, Broussard said.
"I am the longest-serving councilman in the city and it was a pleasure to receive that confidence by the city council as we work together to move the entire city forward together,” he continued.
Broussard said he was first elected to the city in 2011 and has since worked with two administrations, Mayor Mark Piazza and Mayor Roslyn White.
“I have served with many council members and this council together has a good chemistry, a good working history together. So we do believe we're going to move together with all districts," Broussard said.
If you have a concern or want to contact Councilwoman Mouton you can reach her by emailing the Administrative Assistant Council Office Lynn Leblanc at lleblanc@cityofabbeville.net.
The Secretary of State notified the city that a special election will be called in May of 2025 to fill the vacant position that Councilman Francis Touchet Jr. resigned from.