LEESVILLE­-The City of Leesville welcomed its new mayor, Rick Allen, as well as two new council members and incumbent council members to office during a swearing in ceremony tonight at First United Pentecostal Church of Leesville.

Also sworn in were newly seated council members William R. "Coach" Thomas (D), Councilman-at-large; and Chris Robertson (R), District 1; as well as incumbent council members Alice Guess, council-member-at-large; Danny Dowd, District 3; and Willie Kennedy, District 2. Judge Elvin Fontenot presided over the ceremony.

"Being an elected official takes a certain kind of sacrifice," said Mayor Rick Allen. "Mayor Robert Rose's sacrifice and service to this city has not gone unnoticed. I thank him for that, and I wish him all the best in the future."

Outgoing Mayor Robert Rose, who did not attend the swearing-in ceremony, said in a statement that he was hopeful that the new administration's abilities would have a positive impact on the city.

"Today, the City opens a new chapter in its story. A new mayor and new council members will combine what I'm sure are their considerable talents with those of the sitting council members to shape the next four years," said Mayor Rose. "It's my prayer that the City of Leesville will see its brightest days in the future, a future that is still being written."

Pastor Mark Christian, of First United Pentecostal Church of Leesville, opened the ceremony with a welcome and the invocation. He noted the recent loss of Councilman Mike Elliott and asked those in attendance to say a special prayer for his family, as well as for others in city government who had recently lost loved ones.

City Administrator Courtney Christian led those assembled in the pledge of allegiance and the National Anthem, which was followed immediately by the swearing-in of each of the City's elected officials.

"I'm honored to have been elected to my fourth term and am thankful for my supporters for having faith in me," said Guess. "I pledge to do my best."

"Thank you to all my supporters," said Robertson, who urged the residents of his district to contact him with their concerns and issues. "I'm looking forward to working for District 1 and the City of Leesville. I'm honored to serve."

"I look forward to the next four years," said Dowd. "It's going to be an exciting and growing time for the City of Leesville. I also look forward to building upon what we've started and keeping Fort Polk here."

"I want to thank God and everyone who supported me," said Kennedy. "I'm sincere and willing to do above and beyond what's needed. I want to work hard for the City."

A reception immediately followed the ceremony in the church's fellowship hall.

Leesville Mayor Rick Allen is sworn in by City Judge Elvin Fontenot during a 5:30 p.m. ceremony June 30. City Administrator Courtney Christian holds the Bible.

To view or use other photos of the event, click here.

The next meeting of the Leesvile City Council is set for 3 p.m., July 14. Public hearings take place a half hour before the regular session convenes.

--end--