by Wes Harris
Dubach Mayor Mona Wilson announced her resignation Thursday, two days after leading a three-candidate field in the town’s mayoral election. Wilson also asked to withdraw from the Dec. 12 runoff. If the state accepts her withdrawal, challenger Corey Beckham would be the sole remaining candidate and would be declared elected under Louisiana law.
In a signed, notarized memo dated Nov. 5 and addressed to town employees and council members, Wilson said she intended to resign immediately. She said she had mailed the necessary paperwork to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office and expected it to arrive in a few days.
Wilson had been on medical leave for about a week. She cited her health and well-being and said she could no longer work with Councilwoman Evelyn Graham. Wilson also contended in the memo that Monday’s special council meeting was illegal.
Graham said she called the Nov. 2 meeting to discuss “town issues surrounding mayoral race.” She told those attending that it was her understanding any council member could call a special meeting as long as three members were present. Other council members said they had not been consulted about calling the meeting.
Louisiana law allows the mayor or a majority of the council to call a special meeting outside the regular meeting schedule. A separate provision requires a majority of council members to be present for a quorum.
At the start of the meeting, the council voted to broaden the agenda to allow discussion of any town issues. A larger-than-usual crowd attended, but several minutes passed in silence after the floor was opened for public comment. Only a few residents stepped to the microphone before Kyle Hennigan and Monique Roberts called for adjournment. The meeting lasted about 15 minutes.
Rumors and speculation circulated on social media in the days leading up to Tuesday’s election. Beckham and fellow challenger Kimberly Gill posted repeatedly about Wilson, making allegations against her. Some Dubach residents responded with appeals for civility, asking their neighbors to ease the personal criticism and focus on town issues.
Beckham and Gill continued posting on social media during the two days following the election.
Wilson received 121 votes, or 42%, according to complete but unofficial returns. Beckham received 93 votes, while Gill received 72. Wilson and Beckham advanced to the runoff because no candidate received a majority.
Wilson said the Secretary of State’s Office advised her that the mayor pro tem would assume her duties through the end of the year. She identified Councilwoman Mary Billberry as her replacement for the remainder of the term and said the new mayor would take office Jan. 1.
This is a developing story. The Lincoln Parish Journal will provide updates as more information becomes available.
