Leesville mayor selected for second vice president of LMA
Published 1:22 pm Wednesday, August 3, 2022
- Chairman of the Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance Rick Allen addresses members of the Louisiana Municipal Association at the recent District D meeting in Leesville. Formerly Fort Polk Progress, LAFA has broadened its focus to serve the entire state ahead of Fort Polk's pending name change. (Special to the Leesville Leader)
Leesville Mayor Rick Allen has been named the Louisiana Municipal Association’s (LMA) second vice president following an election held last week in Lafayette.
“I’m so grateful to LMA for the opportunity to serve. I thank my worthy opponent, Mr. Toups, for a well-run campaign. I’m looking forward to serving the cities, towns and villages of this great state,” Allen stated in an official release following the election.
Allen’s opponent, David Toups, the mayor of Addis, serves as District H vice president.
The LMA is a statewide member organization that advocates for all municipal governments within the state. It currently consists of 305 members representing 127 villages, 111 towns, 65 cities, and two parishes.
Since 1926, the LMA has promoted and advocated for local governments by shaping legislation and providing education on municipal issues, which Allen said resembles much of the work done by the Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance (LAFA), formerly named Fort Polk Progress, which he serves as chairman.
“One of the most important interests we can discuss is the economic welfare of every city, town and village in the state which is impacted significantly by the presence of military installations and assets in each region of the state,” Allen stated.
“I’m confident that my positions on the LMA Executive Board and as chairman of LAFA will compliment one another and serve as a benefit to both organizations as we all work together to solve problems that will promote the welfare of our citizens and improve our municipalities.”
Also in Friday’s election, Anacoco Mayor Keith Lewing was elected to fill the seat as vice president of District D, which is the seat Allen relinquished upon his election to LMA’s Executive Board.
Lewing also serves on the board of the Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance.
“I think that together, Rick and I can not only work to make our cities and towns better, but also bring more awareness to our municipalities about the importance of the economic impact of military installations and assets all over the state. Everyone needs to be aware of just how important it is to keep our military in the state strong and growing,” Lewing stated.
