ST. FRANCISVILLE, La. (AP) - It’s been 36 years since the Town of St. Francisville has had a new mayor.
That changed Tuesday when residents elected Republican Robert Leake to replace longtime Mayor William “Billy” D’Aquilla, who has served in the post since 1984 but decided not to seek re-election this fall.
Leake defeated Independent challenger Susie Tully for the seat, getting about 57% of the vote, according to complete but unofficial returns.
Leake has said he doesn’t plan to run the office much different than the former mayor, adding he plans to continue the town’s focus on tourism and preserving its historic character.
D’Aquilla, now 80, served nine terms as mayor and three terms on the Board of Aldermen before that. Leake and Tully previously served on the board of aldermen and various other community boards in the past.
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