For the first time in 12 years the city will soon have a new mayor.
In last Saturday’s run-off election, voters chose Melinda “Mel” Narcisse Mitchell to replace Thomas Nelson, who has served in the post since 2006 but lost his bid for a fourth term.
It was Mitchell’s third attempt to unseat Nelson and it proved to be the charm. With a turnout of 49 percent, Mitchell won 1,153 votes (54%) to Nelson’s 999 (46%).
Nelson had led a field of four candiates in the March 24 primary but failed to garner a majority of the 1,107 votes cast, topping Mitchell by 928 to 701 ballots.
Mitchell will become the first female elected to the top office in the city’s 200-year history.
(Kathleen O. Willis was appointed interim mayor in 1991-92 following the death of her husband, Mayor Earl “Mac” Willis but failed in a bid to win a full term.)
Mitchell was born and reared in St. Martinville and graduated from St.Martinville Sr. High School in 1988. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration and is currently working toward her master’s degree on-line.
She has been married to Lawrence Mitchell Sr. for 25 years. The couple, who have known each other since childhood, have three children and four grandchildren.
With the intent of making the July 1 transition as smooth as possible, Mitchell told the Teche News she will begin meeting with Nelson, council members and business owners right away.
Asked what her priorities in office will be, Mitchell said she intends to have an open door and remain accessible to residents. She hopes to see the community come together more. “I want to make progress and change things for the better for all residents of St. Martinville,” she said.
One area Mitchell emphasized is the need to make the city more attractive to new business. She said she will work to promote business development by appealing directly to entrepreneurs and developers. She intends to make the case that St. Martinville is an optimistic, business-friendly town on the verge of growth.
Mitchell believes that good communication is the most essential element in public service. “You have to be familiar with people and really hear what they have to say.”
She has no plans to make personnel changes. “We have a good team here, I’m not interested in changing it, I just want to work with them to get the job done.”
“I want to thank God, my family and my supporters,” Mitchell added. “I think the voters are looking for a new perspective and new energy. They will not be disappointed. I’m going to be the best mayor I can possibly be.”
