City Judge Jim Cunningham administered the oaths of office to the city leaders. The ceremony opened with an invocation by Pastor Gene Lee of First Baptist Church of Rayn, followed by the Nathional Antherm by City Clerk Annette Cutrera.
Parish Assessor James “Jimbo” Petitjean, former Rayne mayor who served the city for 18 years, was the evening’s master of ceremonies and shared personal comments as he invited each elected official to join Cunningham on the stage.
“This group of leaders will begin their second term,” said Petitjean. “Following their first term together, I would say the expectation level will be higher. They have set the bar high with the projects and programs they have accomplished so far.”
Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux spoke of the continued work he and the council are planning to complete and the introduction of new projects.
“We have a number of projects already in the works,” said Robichaux, “and we plan to complete those soon, including the Barbara Street pump station, drainage projects, sidewalks along the Boulevard and North Polk, the cemetery and others that will benefit everyone.
“We also have a number of projects soon to begin for the city as a whole. Some tough decisions will have to be made that will correct the city’s infrastructure and assist our citizens in a big way … but I think we have the right team right here to make the correct decisions for our city to move ahead.
Carroll Stelly was the first to repeat his oath as he was sworn in for his fourth consecutive term as Rayne’s police chief.
Stelly, who made history as the first Rayne police chief to serve four consecutive terms, was also sworn in to serve on the DARE advisory board.
He was followed by each of the city council members who, in turn, thanked family for their support and vowed to do their best for their individual districts and the entire city.
Council members taking their oaths of office were Councilwoman Curtrese Minix, District 1; Councilman Kenneth Guidry, District 2; Councilman Calise Michael Doucet, District 3; Councilman Jimmy Fontenot, District 4; and Alderman-at-Large Lendell “Pete” Babineaux, mayor pro tem.
The ceremony closed with a benediction offered by Pastor Lee.
