By JIM BUTLER

The parish Republican hierarchy has called on Rich Dupree to resign the Pineville mayor’s post by Thursday to allow City Council appointment of a temporary successor and a special election next spring.

Dupree has essentially told the GOP parish executive committee to mind its own business.

No response had been heard from council members through Monday evening.

The Republican letter:

We, the members of the Republican Party of Rapides Parish, express our deep concern over the systemic breakdown within Pineville’s mayor-council model of governance, which has caused disruption and drawn statewide ridicule to our community. Pineville has the potential to be a model city, and we urge immediate action to restore confidence in our local government.

Mayor Dupree, while we understand and appreciate the difficult decision you made to save the city and prevent further embarrassment, your recent move to delay your resignation raises serious concerns. It appears this extension is a maneuver to allow you and your allies on the City Council to control the selection of your successor. We strongly urge you to tender your resignation to the Secretary of State by October 17, 2024, so the citizens of Pineville can elect their next leader in a special election, as they deserve.

You’ve stated that the cost of a special election is a major concern for the city. In response, several local businesses have generously offered to cover those expenses. Given this, we ask that you respect the democratic process by stepping down immediately and allowing the people of Pineville their rightful voice in choosing their future leadership.

Furthermore, we call on the City Council to appoint an interim mayor with the appropriate skills to lead a comprehensive examination of the city’s policies and procedures, in collaboration with the legislative auditor’s office. This individual should be free from any personal political ambitions to run for mayor, focusing instead on laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and prosperity for Pineville.

The people of Pineville deserve a mayor and city council leadership team that serves as a model of good governance. We also urge the Council to conduct an introspective review of its own role in this crisis and determine whether its actions contributed to the breakdown in governance and the erosion of public trust.”

Republican Party of Rapides Parish

Dupree’s response:

I am disappointed in the Committee’s letter of October 13, 2024 regarding a perceived “breakdown” in the City’s governing structure. Your accusation is factually misguided and disrespectful of others who have no responsibility for the circumstances leading to, or the timing of, my resignation.

It is common knowledge that an abbreviated, surprise election cycle favors those who are positioned for a head start – and that new candidates with new ideas, are effectively denied a fair opportunity to compete.

I trust this Committee has offered similar commentary in response to the current Democrat “nominee” for the White House.

I must assume that the Committee either favors a candidate with the inside rail or distrusts the voters in Pineville to make a wise decision.

Finally, your reference to my “allies on the City Council” is deeply misinformed. I, alone, made my decision regarding timing. No Council member attempted to influence my decision. Likewise, I will not attempt to influence the Council’s decision regarding my replacement.

I have complete confidence that the members of the City Council will listen to their constituents and select a worthy candidate.

You should, as well.