Champagne mayor of Kaplan; LeBlanc mayor of Erath; library tax approved

The people have decided they want to keep Vermilion Parish libraries open for another 10 years. The present Kaplan mayor Krik Champagne returns for a second term, while Erath elected John Earl LeBlanc as its new mayor.
In the parishwide election, the residents voted 2,718 “Yes” votes to 718 “No” votes to renew a 10-year property tax millage.
Erath residents voted LeBlanc, a 28-year alderman, as the new mayor. He had 396 votes to Tony Richard’s 217 votes.
LeBlanc is expected to be sworn into office next week.
“I want to thank everyone who welcomed me into their homes, offered words of encouragement, or prayed for me over the past few months,” LeBlanc said “I will never forget the kindness and support that you showed to me.”
Returning as mayor in Kaplan for a second term is Champagne. He had 620 votes, beating out Jerry Touchet, who had 379 votes.
“I would like to thank all of the citizens that have entrusted me with another term as your mayor,”
Champagne said.
The alderman at large race in Kaplan went to Dirk Gary (493 votes) over Ronald Schexnaider (469 votes).
In Abbeville, there was a three -person race for District D council seat.
The incumbent, Wayne Landry, was able to get 50 percent of the votes to win the election.
He had 373 votes, while Kamesha Scott (106 votes) and Marilyn Mitchell (93 votes) had the other votes.
“We are very, very excited about winning this race,” Landry said. “We knew it was going to be a challenge because I had two candidates running against me. We worked hard and ran a clean race.”

All of the police jury’s propositions passed.

• 3.26 mills for roads and highways - yes (2,565 votes to 812)
• 5.72 mills in District 1 - 101 yes votes to 10 .
• 6.93 mills in District 4 (87 votes to 15)
• 6.27 mills (76 votes to 7)
• 5.06 mills (745 to 247)