Election concludes Pineville turnover

By JIM BUTLER

Saturday’s election of Mark Mertens means on Wednesday Pineville will have its first fully elected city government in about 20 months.

Oath-taking ceremonies are scheduled for 1 p.m. for Mayor Joe Bishop and council members Greg Aaron, District 1; Kevin Dorn, District 2; Hugh Halle, District 3; John Marcase, District 4; and Mertens,  District 5.

The turnover began in October 2024 with Bishop’s interim appointment as mayor and included two resignations with interim appointments and two retirements.

Transition has also occurred this month in the city’s departmental leadership.

James Rachal moved from Parks and Recreation superintendent to the same post in Public Works Administration, succeeding the retiring James Robertson.

In turn, Alfred Rachal moved into the Parks and Recreation top slot.

Rachal, prominent in local and state recreation activities for decades, was also appointed by the Police Jury this month to the Library Board of Control.

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