UPDATE: Ald. Eric Meaux Steps Down, Citing Upcoming Move from 2nd District

Just two days after voters returned him to office in an uncontested election for his District 2 Common Council seat, Alderman and Acting Mayor Eric Meaux announced Tuesday that he will step down.

Meaux took over the role of mayor from his position of as president of the Common Council when Jill Didier departed in December.

Meaux said that he was departing the council because a job change will lead him to move out of his aldermanic district soon.

Explaining his sudden exit just after the election, Meaux said that his decision to accept a new position came less than three weeks ago, and that he hadn't even an inkling before the January filing deadline for candidacy of the possibility that he wouldn't be able to serve.

"The timing was what it was," Meaux said. "Had I known earlier, say back in February, I certainly would have let people know.

"But with just a couple of weeks to go, there could have been a messy write-in process."

Meaux's name could not by that time have been stricken from the ballot at any rate, so he would almost certainly have won by default regardless of his decision not to serve.

But even within a limited time frame, write-in campaigns could have been launched with very little time for voters to learn about new candidates.

To replace Meaux, newly elected Mayor Kathy Ehley will appoint a selection committee from the Common Council and the city will advertise for nominees. The committee's selection will then be forwarded to the full council for approval.

The successful appointee will serve until next April when the office will be placed on the April 2013 ballot for a candidate to serve out the remaining three years of the term.

The appointee can, of course, run to hold the seat.

Meaux issued the following statement:

"It is with mixed emotion that I inform constituents of the 2nd District and fellow Council members that I will not be able to serve another full term as Alderman of the 2nd District. I thank you for your support of confidence and it has been a privilege to represent your interests over the years. However, our family will be moving from the Aldermanic District by the end of June 2012 as a result of an employment change.

"Over the past six years, we should be very proud of the work we have accomplished together as a community and Council with our City Administration and Staff. Remembering a few milestones

• Moving forward and improving the blighted Locker’s property;
• “Repaving” the vision for our shared public space through use of the Village bridge, the Farmer’s Market, and Hart Park supporting family centered neighborhoods;
• Reinvesting in our safety with a new fire station below estimated costs;
• Thoughtfully working through legislative changes impacting our dedicated employees;
• Rebuilding our Department Head team with quality leadership to take on the challenges of the future;
• Overhauling our Capital Budgeting to provide an improved view of the future and improved decision making in the present; and
• Maintaining our top Aaa bond rating.

"While there are numerous other successes and difficult decisions, I am more than satisfied that we have continued to improve the overall well-being and strength of our City.

"My last day as Alderman will be May 1, allowing for a period of transition as we welcome Mayor-elect Kathy Ehley and a new Council President is selected. It has been a pleasure serving with you and representing our community."