Morgan City Council set to name interim member for Blanchard's seat

The Morgan City Council's agenda for the 6 p.m. Tuesday meeting includes appointment of an interim replacement for Eriq Blanchard, the District 5 councilman who was elected Nov. 5 and who has submitted his resignation.

According to a resolution to be discussed at the meeting, the interim member would serve until a special election is held April 18. If a runoff is needed, it would be May 30. Qualifying would be Jan. 14-16.

The winner of the election would serve until January 2029.

Blanchard, a businessman and former police officer, won the District 5 seat by defeating five-term incumbent Lou Tamporello by a 62%-38% margin.

In his resignation letter, Blanchard said he is accepting a job in state government.

"Though my time on the council has been brief, I am proud of the work we have accomplished together," Blanchard wrote in his letter. "We have laid the groundwork for several meaningful projects that I believe will benefit our community for years to come."