By JIM BUTLER

Quiet lobbying for the Pineville City Council District 4 seat being vacated by longtime representative Tom Bouchie reportedly began over the weekend.

The district includes areas along Highway 28 East before swinging to Oakbrook at Susek Drive, taking in Iris Park Drive and turning north to Donahue Ferry Road.

The district line wanders along Cottingham Expressway from Lakeview Lane to US Highway 165, to Beauregard to Pinecrest, to LA 116, to near Farm Lane and down to Donahue Ferry.

The Council will have 20 days, not counting weekends and holidays, from Bouchie’s resignation on December 31 to appoint his successor.

Should it fail to do so, the governor would appoint a successor to serve until the next election. The appointee, under state law, is eligible to run for a full term if he/she chooses.

Bouchie, who is also a Realtor, said in his Friday afternoon announcement of his departure he is choosing family over City Hall, departing after 24 years on the council at year’s end.