Francis Plaisance announces candidacy for Mayor of Abbeville

As Councilman-at-Large for four terms, and Mayor Pro-Tem for 12 years, I have the most experience, the professional integrity, and the proven leadership to serve all of Abbeville’s citizens as their 42nd Mayor.
For the last 15 years, our community’s residents have bestowed their confidence in me to work in City government. Now, I humbly ask for your vote to elect me, Francis Plaisance, as your Mayor in the March 2022 election.
Until then, I will continue fulfilling my duties as the only Council member elected by the entire City. During my four terms, I have worked successfully with Mayor Mark Piazza, all Council members, Parish officials, business owners, Veterans, law enforcement, and other concerned citizens, to sustain and improve our beloved City. I am available at 337 652-0646.
As the new Mayor of Abbeville, I will pledge to achieve important goals. I will continue pursuing grants to upgrade our City’s infrastructure, including necessary improvements to city streets, solving the issue of antiquated sewer and water lines by testing and repairing the water intrusion problem on our sewer line system. I will work to develop a fair but firm ordinance regarding abandoned buildings. I will further promote technology and its productive uses in this modern age.
As Mayor, with the assistance of Councilman Brady Broussard, we will focus on continuing our successful negotiations with our electrical provider to maintain competitive rates for our citizens.
As Mayor, I will continue promoting tourism and economic development. I will pursue solutions to our recreation program by seeking grants to enhance our facilities and programs to include all of our citizens. Furthermore, I will work with Abbeville Police Department and Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office to continue addressing the issue of crimes in our area.
As Chairman of the Parks Committee, I am particularly proud of my personal vision for the Lafitte Drive-In Park, currently in its tenth year of development. On May 8, more than 600 people enjoyed a Family Fish Fest there. Now, each weekend, local people and visitors can enjoy fishing in the park, following my work with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries. Soon, a walking trail will be added.
I am also the creator of the successful Cake and Ice Cream Festival at Comeaux Park.
Since 2002, I have served as president of the Louisiana Cattle Festival, as vice president during the two previous years, plus as the Grand Parade Chairman since 1997, and as a Board Member since 1996.
I am a graduate of Abbeville High School. My formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and an Associate of Arts degree from Southeastern Christian College in Winchester, Kentucky. While conducting church work in Appalachia, I was ordained as a minister and have served as a pastor of Abbeville Church of Christ.
For 25 years, I worked for the State of Louisiana, in Job Service, then in the Department of Social Services as a Child Protection investigator. I have extensive training and professional experience involving child and family issues, including Critical Incident Stress Management Team, Risk Assessment Task Force, Safety Task Force, and am Nationally Certified in Sexual Abuse Investigations.
In addition, I have served in community organizations, and on numerous boards, including: Charter Board Member of the Louisiana Military Museum in Abbeville; Alternate Board Member of LEPA for the City of Abbeville; former Chairman for City of Abbeville Tourism and Economic Development Committee; past Board Member of Vermilion Parish Emergency Food and Shelter Program; past member of Vermilion Parish Economic Development Board; past Vice President and Charter Board Member of the Vermilion Domestic Abuse Intervention Program; former Charter Board Member, and a Gulf Coast Pre-Mix Coach, of the original Abbeville Riceland Little League; former member of Abbeville Lions Club, Abbeville Recreation Board, and Horseman Assoc. of Southwest Louisiana Board of Trustees.
My civic awards include the following: VFW Vietnam Post 3798 Community Service Award (2016), American Legion Abbeville Post 29 Citizen of the Year (2013), Louisiana Cattle Festival Ambassador of the Year (2006), Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society Outstanding Citizen (2005), Parade Grand Marshal, Krewe of Vermilion (2005), Volunteer of the Year Award, Louisiana Fair and Festivals, Division II (2002), President’s Award, 53rd Louisiana Cattle Festival (2001), President’s Award, 49th Louisiana Cattle Festival (1997), Outstanding Employee Award, Louisiana Council on Child Abuse, Lafayette Region (1992), and “What I Want to Be and Why” essay contest winner, Abbeville Rotary Club.
I am married to Vana (Johnson) Plaisance, retired teacher, journalist, and author. Our daughter, Ladessa, and her husband, Corey LeBlanc, have two children: Kallen and Caden. Our son is the late Fran Plaisance. My parents are the late Galton and Lois (Reed) Plaisance.
To the citizens of Abbeville, I will continue to dedicate my life to this City and its people. Please vote for Francis Plaisance for Mayor of Abbeville in the March 2022 election. Thank you for your support.