Photograph: Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor stands with family members and Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Genovese after being sworn-in for a second term on Sunday. (Photograph by Bobby Ardoin.)
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
With five of six members of the Board of Aldermen returning for another four-year term, Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor said he expects members of the city administration to work hard and collectively for those who elected them.
Alsandor made those comments Sunday at the Opelousas Civic Center as he and other city officials were sworn-in during a series of ceremonies before a large audience.
This will also be the second consecutive term for Alsandor, who served previously as an alderman before his initial mayoral term in 2018.
Alsandor added that he and the Board are aware of the problems that face the city.
However Alsandor added that Opelousas residents also need to help provide solutions.
Alsandor pointed to a remark made by President John F. Kennedy in a 1960 inaugural address when Kennedy famously asked what individuals can do for their country rather than what their country can do for them.
“If we do that, then we are going to be better. It’s going to take an effort from each of us. I love Opelousas. It has been my home and I want to do everything I can to continue to make it my home,” said Alsandor.
While Alsandor was sworn-in by Opelousas resident and Louisiana Supreme Court Judge Jimmy Genovese, five members of the Board of Aldermen were sworn-in by newly-elected appellate court judge Ledricka Thierry, who will begin writing opinions for the Third Circuit.
Delita Rubin Broussard, who won a runoff election in District B, did not attend the swearing-in ceremony on Sunday.
State Senator Gerald Boudreaux, one of several guest speakers, said Opelousas has a number of problems facing the administration.
Those issues Boudreaux said include affordable housing, providing better economic opportunities and assisting residents with earning what Boudreaux said are fair and livable wages.
