Hubbard resigns...McTopy takes title of Parish President
BELOW IS THE RESIGNATION LETTER SENT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
September 24, 2009
The Honorable Secretary of State Jay Dardenne
8585 Archives Avenue
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809
Dear Mr. Dardenne:
When I ran for office, I pursued this honor so that I would have the chance to make a positive impact on the St. John Parish community and improve the overall quality of life enjoyed by our citizens.
Since taking office we have accomplished several key initiatives: some are complete, some in construction, and still others being designed. We have built a new animal shelter, began a recycling program, expanded our paid fire department from 13 members in 2008 to 40 firefighters currently, the community service program has been reactivated, roads have been repaired in every community, the Andouille Festival has been moved and improved tremendously, we began an online payment system for our utility bills, we have installed GPS tracking devices on parish vehicles, we cracked down on those not paying their utility bills, and are in the midst of a comprehensive ditch digging program.
In addition to the above mentioned projects and programs, we have also made several key policy changes: the emergency preparedness plan was revised and updated for the first time in over ten years, a proper travel policy was drafted, an administrative paid leave policy was written, we instituted a code enforcement department with the appropriate staffing that has resulted in many derelict structures being torn down and properties being cleaned up in all corners of our community, and we managed to reduced overtime from $900,000 in 2007 to a projected $750,000 in 2009.
Since early 2008, St John has seen a tornado on our west bank, two hurricanes which caused flooding and widespread power loss, and even snow last December. We made it through these challenges and we will continue to grow and prosper.
When I sought the office of Parish President, I undertook the challenge to bring a 'get it done' attitude to government. The people of St. John have many good things to look forward to in the coming years as a result of the hard work of the men and women in my administration. Recent personal events have transpired in the press that will place an unnecessary burden and hindrance on the administration in carrying out the many great projects currently being prepared. Among these are: the projects included in the Bond Issue voted on by the citizens earlier this year, reaching a final solution on the LaPlace water system, the economic development potential by transferring management of the airport to the Port of South Louisiana, moving forward on the adjudicated properties program, seeing many areas of our parish revitalized by carrying out the historic re-development plans, and moving forward on the levee along Lake Pontchartrain.
Nothing should stand in the way or hold back the progress currently being made.
Therefore I, William J. Hubbard, do hereby resign from the office of Parish President effective this day, September 24, 2009, at 10:00 am. The succession proscribed within the St John the Baptist Parish Home Rule Charter shall take effect and immediately transfer the powers and responsibilities of the office to the Chief Administrative Officer.
Humbly,
Bill Hubbard