Port Allen City Council holds first committee meeting since mayo - WAFB 9 News Baton Rouge, Louisiana News, Weather, Sports

Port Allen is trying to move forward; despite the fact the city still has no mayor or a budget.

The Port Allen City Council held a committee meeting Wednesday evening. It was the first meeting since voters ousted Deedy Slaughter as mayor in a recall election.

Weeks ago, voters in Port Allen approved a recall election for Slaughter. She officially left office last week. City council members continued talks about an operating budget for the new fiscal year, one that began in July.

Citizens recalled Slaughter during the November 16 elections, putting an end to 11 months of controversy. After less than a year on the job, she is now the first politician to ever be recalled in West Baton Rouge Parish.

After all of the ballots were counted, 57 percent voted in favor of the recall.

Slaughter had nine days to contest the results of the election, but chose not to do so. She left office on November 25. The Port Allen City Council has until December 15 to name an interim mayor.

If the council fails to name an interim by the deadline, Gov. Bobby Jindal will appoint an interim. In the meantime, Mayor Pro Tem Ray Helen Lawrence is left in charge.

The election for a new mayor will likely be held April 5, 2014. Slaughter is eligible to run for re-election if she chooses.

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