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Opelousas officially welcomes new leaders

Posted at 10:06 PM, Jan 06, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-06 23:56:59-05

Opelousas is officially welcoming their new leaders.

It was standing room only at the Civic Center as the mayor, police chief and four new council members were sworn into office.

“We were elected on the simple idea that unity matters and that progress is indeed possible,” said Mayor Julius Alsandor.

He said he hopes to bring the city forward to a place that its residents can be proud of.

“It’s time that the negative perceptions of our city be erased by leaders who truly serve its citizens,” Alsandor said.

Chief Martin McLendon acknowledged the first shooting, which happened Friday evening, in the city since he’s been in office.

“I’m going to say to that shooter, ‘we know who you are and we’re coming to get you,’” McLendon said passionately to a cheering audience.

He promised to lead a department of officers that the community can trust will bring justice.

“The Opelousas Police Department will stand on the front lines. We will stand on street corners.”

The message from the chief and mayor is one that those in attendance say is just what the city needs.

“I want to see them bring the togetherness that they spoke about today and bring back the trust that we can have in our leaders. We need more transparency and I think that’s what we’re going to get with this leadership,” said Opelousas resident, Madeline Taylor.