WASHINGTON — The Town of Washington has new leadership. Dwight Landreneau was appointed today by Governor John Bel Edwards to serve as interim mayor.
This comes after Jim Olivier resigned three weeks ago, citing health issues.
Landreneau graduated from Washington High School in 1969. He then graduated in 1973 from University of Louisiana Lafayette with a B.S in Ag/Business. In 1986 he received a Masters in Extension Education from LSU. After working as an Area Fishery Agent with the LSU Ag Center for 14 years, he went on to serve as an Assistant Secretary for the Director of State Parks. He also served as an Associate Vice Chancellor for the LSU Ag Center.
With the town facing budget issues, Landreneau says he's the guy for the job.
"I don't want to fail in this opportunity, I'll do my best to get it done. It's a great opportunity and the town of Washington is something special," Landreneau said.
Landreneau was asked to become Washington mayor weeks ago, but he wasn't sure that is what he wanted.
"I never wanted or had any desire to run for political office. After visiting with my wife and kids, we decided to take on the challenge," Landreneau added.
The new mayor says he is no stranger to taking on a leadership role during a budget crisis.
"When I first went on with the Office of State Parks, we were in a budget crisis at the office of State Parks," explained Landreneau. "We were able to bring the state parks system to a model system that was for the whole United States, that was exciting."
Now he plans to move the Town of Washington forward by bringing in new income and working with a state auditor.
"It's really good for someone from outside to come in to look at the big picture. Something we look at everyday, we don't see. But they can come in and spot some common sense that we can put in place."
Landreneau will be sworn in on Monday at 1 pm at the Washington Town Hall.
