Eunice Mayor Moody resigns

After serving nearly five years, Mayor Claud “Rusty” Moody Jr. has resigned as mayor citing his health.
Moody signed two resignation letters Wednesday at his house.
Council members Jason Bertrand, Scott Fontenot, Marion “Nootsie” Sattler and Germaine Simpson were present for the signing.
Moody was elected with 69 percent of the vote in the November 2010 election and was re-elected in 2014 with no opposition.
Earlier this year he was diagnosed with cancer, but continued his duties.
Vernon McManus, city attorney, said the secretary of state must accept the resignation and then the council is to name someone as mayor within 20 days. If the council fails to name someone, the governor is to appoint a mayor.
An election would be likely be called in the spring, McManus said.
If a council member is named as mayor, the same procedure would be followed to fill the open council seat, he said. But that would mean the mayor and council positions would be open for election in the spring, he said.
On Wednesday, Moody said it was best the city begin looking for another mayor to get on with the work.
“The council has done a wonderful, amazing job of bringing Eunice back,” he said.
Moody’s letter addressed to the city council and citizens follows.
It has been my true privilege to have served as Mayor of the city of Eunice. I am humbled that you had such confidence and trust in me that you elected me to serve as your Mayor. Eunice is my home and is a wonderful city. I am so thankful and proud that I was able to contribute in some small part to its reputation of goodwill and progress.
But, regrettably, I must now tender my resignation as your Mayor. My ill health prevents me from giving the Mayor’s office time and attention that the city and you the people deserve.
I give special thanks to all of the city of Eunice employees for their dedication and hard work. I express sincere appreciation for the friendly and cooperative attitude shown me by all members of the Eunice City Council. You all made my job as Mayor a rewarding and memorable experience.
And, especially, I give my utmost love and thanks to my truly loving wife Delores, and to my children, grandchildren, and to my mother, for always being so supportive of me, especially during my years as Mayor of the city of Eunice.
Thank you all for the honor and trust you have bestowed on me.
Sincerely,
Claud “Rusty” Moody
His letter, which was sent to the secretary of state, addressed to the Board of Aldermen, city employees and citizens follows.
It is with a heavy heart that I must submit my resignation as Mayor of the city of Eunice. I feel that this is in the best interest of the people of Eunice, my family and for my health.
Twice over the last five years you have expressed great confidence in me to serve as your Mayor and I hope that I have met your expectations and have been the mayor that you deserved. I have enjoyed serving the people of Eunice, but sadly, my health will not allow me to continue in this position that you entrusted to me.
I hereby resign my position of Mayor of the City of Eunice, LA on this the 7th day of October, 2015.
I feel that I leave all of you in good hands with the current council and administration. We have worked together well, some of us less than a year, and I know that the men and woman of this council will continue to serve the people in a positive and progressive manner.
I appreciate all of your good wishes, thoughts and prayers. I am deeply grateful for my family, my wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, my sister and my mother who have always supported me and been by my side.
Again, thank you for your confidence and patience over these last five years. I am thankful that I was able to serve you and help make Eunice a place of which we can be proud.
Sincerely,
Claud “Rusty” Moody, Jr.
Mayor of City of Eunice, LA

The process of naming a mayor is likely to become public when the council meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Eunice Municipal Complex. The agenda as of Thursday did not include an item on the mayor’s position.
Moody became mayor after a 42-year career as educator in the St. Landry Parish public school system. He was a teacher at Eunice Junior High, assistant principal at the junior high, principal at Highland Elementary and assistant superintendent of operations.
Moody was selected as St. Landry Parish Elementary Principal of the Year and Acadiana Reading Council Principal of the Year.
Moody is a 1961 graduate of Eunice High School. He continued his education at Louisiana State University.
Among the accomplishments he cited are:
Worked to bring about a feeling of unity to the city and City Hall by working with council members.
Worked with Eunice’s Bulb and Blossom Club and Keep Eunice Beautiful to clean and beautify the city.
The city received $$350,000 from Florida Gas for improper billing.