Nelson wins reelction in St. Marinville

Mayor Thomas Nelson won reelection in Saturday's runoff against political newcomer Melinda "Mel" Narcisse-Mitchell.

And City Council member Debra Landry, an appointee, was elected in her own right against challenger Nary Smith, the former assistant Chief of police, in District 4.

Other council seats were settled in the primary or by virtue of no opposition.

And eight property tax renewals on the ballot parishwide were approved with large margins of victory.

Nelson enters his third term with 55 percent of the vote. He polled 1,135 to Mitchell's 944.

Turnout in the city of St. Martinville was 46 percent Saturday.

Landry defeated Smith 56 to 44 percent, or 273 votes to 211.

In the eight tax proposals on the ballot, are 10-year renewals, the polling was:

•Roads and bridges – 4.57 mills raising $1,450,000 a year, yes by 73 percent;

•Drainage – 6.49 mills, $2,050,000 a year, yes by 72 percent;

•Libraries – 4.21 mills, $1,300,000 a year, yet by 72 percent;

•Recreation – 1.29 mills, $410,000 a year, yes by 72 percent;

•Public health – (3.29 mills, $1,050,000 a year, yes by 72 percent;

•Courthouse – 2.20 mills, $700,000 a year, yes by 69 percent;

•Fire protection – 6 mills, $1,900,000 a year, yes by 77 percent;

•Industrial park – 1.91 mills, $600,000 a year, yet by 68 percent.