By the time this column is read, Tom Arceneaux will be entering his third year as mayor. Thus, his term as mayor is half over.

He has announced he plans to seek re-election in 2026.

In last week's issue Mayor Tom has published a recap of the 2024 challenges and opportunities. It was a busy year for the mayor and by all accounts a very successful one at that.

The Arceneaux administration is well staffed with very competent department heads having substantial experience and institutional
knowledge. This group is responsible for much of the success for his administration. But this fact is a two-edged sword.

Several department heads were on the verge of retirement at the end of the Perkins' administration. How much longer they stay on the city payroll is an open question.

Unfortunately, some of these departments have not effectively developed successor leadership.

This year (2025) should prove to be a good year for the mayor to advance his agenda for moving the city forward. Mayor Tom can expect the support of four if not five of the council members on major policy issues.

Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor is expected to be named council chair at the first council meeting on Jan. 14. She has not been an ally of the mayor, and it is doubtful that her election will soften her almost constant opposition to major Arceneaux agenda
items.

Taylor often refuses to interact with members of the public and media members. One can only hope as council chair she will acknowledge her responsibility to be open to inquiries by the public as well as the media.

Taylor has yet to see a TV camera or media microphone that she does not openly embrace if not chase. As council chair she will have many more media opportunities and photo ops. If past history is an indication, she will likely abuse her privilege as chair to push her own agenda.

Mayor Arceneaux has a practice of meeting with council chair Alan Jackson on the mornings of the council work sessions. No doubt he will extend this invitation to Taylor. The question is if she will accept or will demand that her backup councilman James
Green be in attendance.

Mayor Tom has been successful in navigating the politics of working with the council members both individually and collectively.

Since 2026 is an election year, this coming year should be the most conducive to making major progress on many initiatives with or without the support of the council chair.