BY DREW HINSHAW

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – In a sentimental moment during an otherwise contentious council meeting, St. John Parish District V Councilman Sean Roussel officially stepped down Tuesday night, effective immediately– which raises the question, what comes next in the former councilman’s political career?

With only months remaining in his first term as councilman, Roussel and his family moved out of LaPlace last week to an out-of-district residence, rendering him ineligible to represent his former community. After handing Parish President Nickie Monica his resignation earlier that afternoon, Tuesday’s council voted overwhelmingly to accept his resignation, and approve Roussel’s recommended successor, Mark Chaplain, a board member of the Planning and Zoning Committee.

&#8220It wasn’t a very nice day for me to have to accept his resignation,” said Monica, before the council. &#8220He’s been involved with this parish for a lot longer than the four years he served on the council.”

&#8220I did not want to resign and as much as I enjoy public service, the opportunity to make this move was a good thing for my family,” Roussel said. &#8220I could have found a creative way to complete my term, but I don’t think that’s the right the thing to do.”

Roussel remains non-committal about what his role in this year’s and future parish elections would be. &#8220It’s early for me to ask the public to consider me for another run,” Roussel said. &#8220At this point, I cannot commit.”

If there’s one hesitation between Roussel and a second run for the council, he says it’s his obligations as a parent.

&#8220My son is 10 and it’s real important for me to try to develop a good relationship with him in the coming years,” Roussel said. &#8220For me to put my name on the ballot, I don’t know if that’s the right thing to do.”

In his new residence, District VII, Roussel’s councilman – and hypothetical opponent – is Cheryl Millet, who was originally appointed to an unexpired term, and then won election earlier this year for the rest of the current term. Millet is eligible for not one, but two more terms. It could be nearly a decade before Roussel will have an opportunity to take the seat in an open race.

&#8220Who knows?,” Roussel said. &#8220Once it’s in your blood, it’s in your blood.”