Landry considers stepping down from Abbeville Council

Wayne Landry is considering tendering his resignation for his seat on the Abbeville City Council.
Landry, who represents District D, made the announcement near the end of Tuesday’s regular council meeting.
“As you all know my family and I have been under a lot of stress,” Landry said during his allotted time during council concerns. “I am not going to elaborate too much on it now, but we have really been considering stepping down from the council.”
Landry stated after the meeting that the consideration is not connected to his recent open carrying of a gun, but rather the decision will be made based on personal, family reasons.
“Carrying a gun is my right,” Landry said.
Wearing his City of Abbeville shirt, Landry was recently seen with his gun visibly holstered on his belt at McKinley Scott Park. While Landry did nothing illegal, the issue raised concern from Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza.
“I wasn’t surprised by his announcement,” Piazza said Wednesday morning. “Councilman Landry and his family have been under extreme pressure, but he needs to realize that elected officials are held to a higher standard than other people and are expected to lead by example. If he cannot conduct himself accordingly, then maybe he should resign.”
Piazza said he has heard from constituents in District D who have voiced similar concerns.
“Wayne is being heavily criticized by citizens in his district,” Piazza said. “I have personally witnessed Rev. Landry speak at several anti-violence rallies, where he prayed to rid the streets of Abbeville of guns and violence. He needs to practice what he preaches, especially around our children.
“If he feels he has to choose between his family and public service, then maybe resigning is his best option.”
Landry did not offer a time table on an official decision.
“We are going to pray about it and think about it,” Landry said during the meeting.
Landry has represented District D since 2008, when he took over the seat for former Councilman Carlton Campbell. After completing Campbell’s term, Landry won re-elections in ‘10 and ‘14. Landry claimed 65 percent of the vote against Marilyn Mitchell and Kamesha Scott during his most recent re-election last April.
Should Landry resign, the city council would then name an interim councilman to represent District D. He or she would serve until a special election. That special election would not be on the ballot until the next scheduled election on Oct. 24. Qualifying for that election is scheduled for Sept. 8-10.
As a decision has not officially been made, Landry said he will continue to serve his constituents.
“I will continue to work even harder for my district,” Landry said Wednesday afternoon.