VINTON CITY COUNCIL & OFFICIALS

City Council 2009, L-R  Bliss Bujard, Harold Douga, William B B Loyd,
Mayor Kenny Stinson, Kevin Merchant and newly elected Paul Patin
 

KENNETH STINSON, MAYOR

It is always great to see progress and growth in our town.
It seems we are continuously busy and sometimes we loose sight of the more important things. We remain blessed and have so many wonderful things to be thankful for in our town.

As our community continues to move forward, we are especially
blessed with so many wonderful people like you.  We are thankful for each one. 

The City Council and city employees are ready to help you in Vinton.
Call my office when I can assist.

Kenneth Stinson
Mayor

WILLIAM ‘B B’ LOYD, MAYOR PRO TEM

A graduate of Vinton High and McNeese State University, Airborne Express has employed me for the past 15 years where I currently serve as operation manager.  My plan is to create a government that citizens can and will look up to.  A government that will pass legislation that will create a better community for all citizens. 

I’m committed to bringing economic development to improve our infrastructure, to beautify our community and to establish an activity center for our youth.  This is my pledge and I am committed to work to do all possible to make this a reality. 
B. B. Loyd

KEVIN MERCHANT, COUNCIL MEMBER

Thanks to all for your support in electing me to office.  I want to be the voice of the citizens of our fine town.  I am currently employed with Inspectorate America Corporation with responsibilities over the safety and shipping portions of the office.  I also serve as Vice-president of the Vinton Lions Club and have been on the Vinton Fire Department for the past 23 years, where I currently hold the rank of Captain.  I serve as Vice President and Treasurer of Gray Memorial Hospital Board.

My family and I attend Crossroads Baptist Church where I assist in leading the men’s ministry and also helping with the youth group.  I have been married to the former Michelle McClelland for 21 years and we have two great kids, Amber, 19, and Lindsey, 15.  My family and I are very proud to call Vinton our home; and as citizens, we all have a lot to be proud of.  My goal has always been to be there for all members of our community and to be fair and honest in all matters of City Government.  Communication between the council and the citizens of our community is very important in making us a success.  I will make sure that the people know what is happening at City Hall.  I consider it a blessing from God to be able to serve the great people of this town and I look forward to many years of service to come.  THANKS
Kevin Merchant

HAROLD R. DOUGA, COUNCIL MEMBER

Thank you, Vinton Town Council, for appointing me to council membership.  It is exciting to become a council member and to serve the people of Vinton.  My wife and family have made Vinton our home since 1988.  All of my adult life, I have held jobs that in one way or another service the public.  I enjoy helping people whenever I have an opportunity.

My goals are to be always available to lend a helping hand to the Town Council and to the people of Vinton.  And, to be honest and fair in every aspect of service to our town and its people.  I am available to everyone at all times for expressing your needs or concerns.  THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY

The council appointed Harold Douga, to fill the vacated Karen Douglas council member position, on June 30, 2008.  Douga will occupy the vacated council position until the next regular election for council members that is scheduled in April 2009.
Harold R. Douga

BLISS BUJARD, COUNCIL MEMBER

Thank you to the citizens of Vinton for electing me to your City Council. As a graduate of Vinton High School and McNeese State University, I realize the importance of having quality education available in our region.  One of my goals is to bring a Youth Activity Center to Vinton where kids can get tutoring, gain computer skills and enjoy youth activities in a supervised, safe environment.  I would also like to upgrade the “curb appeal” of Vinton, bring basic zoning into the city limits and work to bring smart growth to Vinton.  I look forward to working with the Mayor and other Council members on these, and other issues facing our town.  If you have any questions, concerns or ideas, please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to get your questions answered and your voice heard.  Thank you for your support and God Bless.

Bliss Bujard

PAUL PATIN, COUNCIL MEMBER

I was born in the Community of Cecilia, LA. I moved to Vinton in 1971 to start and train a Boxing Team.  My wife and I built our home here and are still living at the current address where we raised our three children Pam, Troy and Guy. I coached little league baseball and football for several years.  At that time I decided to run for council for the Town of Vinton and was elected and served from 1972-1980.  In 1980 I ran for the office of School Board and was elected and served from 1980-1992.

I belong to the Knight of Columbus, St. Joseph Catholic Church and a member of the local V.F.W.  In April was elected again to serve on the Council for the Town of Vinton. I ran because I felt that I could be a voice to the people.  To help with the issues that face our Community I am a man of my word.  I want to keep communication open with all departments. I thank the people for electing me.  I am here to serve.

Vinton is our home. My wife Jeanette and I have raised our three children here. We have eleven grandchildren one great grandchild.

REV. BOB TATUM , CHAPLIN

I have lived in Vinton for fifteen years after retiring from the U. S. Navy as a Commander.  I am a member of First Baptist Church where I teach a Sunday school class.  I have been serving the City of Vinton as Chaplain for several years.  I also serve as Chaplain of VFW Post 9954 and I am a life member of the American Legion Post 208.

Having retired from the Navy on December 31,1982, my last duty was serving five years as staff Chaplain for the Chief of Naval Air Training Command, where I Supervised 29 Chaplains located in five states.

With a AB degree from Baylor University, a BD and a Masters degree from New Orleans Seminary in Psychology and Counseling.  I have adopted Vinton as my home and want to see that Vinton is the best City in Louisiana.  I want to support the City of Vinton administration with truth and honesty and to always do what is best for our Community.

Rev. Bob Tatum was appointed by the council to temporarily replace Kennith Stinson, as Mr. Stinson was moved to the position of Intermin Mayor after David Riggins left office in
December 2006.
Rev. Bob Tatum

THAD MINALDI, CITY ATTORNEY

THAD D. MINALDI was born in Lake Charles, LA, May 10, 1957; was admitted to Bar, 1982, Louisiana.  Education, Louisiana State University (B.S.-Commercial Banking, 1979; J. D., 1982).  Private Practice of Law. Board Member and Past Chairman of Corporate Governance Committee, BlueCross BlueShield Of Louisiana. Of Counsel, Stockwell, Sievert, Viccellio & Shaddock; House Counsel and Executive Vice President of Jack Lawton, Inc. House Counsel and Commercial Loan Workout Officer and Advisory Member of the Board of Directors, Calcasieu Marine National Bank of Lake Charles. Law Clerk, The Honorable Cecil C. Cutrer, Louisiana Court Of Appeal, Third Circuit (1982).  Admitted to practice in State and Federal Courts.  AREAS OF PRACTICE: Landowner Issues; Oil & Gas; Property & Boundary; Corporate Governance; Healthcare & Insurance; General Business & Organizations; Banking; Debtor/Creditor; Real Estate.

Thad is a 4 year football letterman and was the 1978 Defensive Team Captain for the LSU Tigers.  Thad has two children and devotes his personal time to his children and to their schools and athletics.  Thad also enjoys outdoor sports.

• RICKY FOX, CHIEF OF POLICE
  
• MARY O. VICE, CITY CLERK
   
• TERRY J. VICE, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
   
• JERRY MERCHANT, FIRE CHIEF
   
• ALVIN KING, CITY MAGISTRATE
   

Rep. Mike Danahay

Louisiana State Representative Mike Danahay is serving on the House and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Ways and Means Committee, and the Municipal Parochial and Cultural Affairs Committee.  Danahay stated that he was pleased with his appointments and is delighted to be serving us in the post to which he has been elected.  

Rep. Danahay’s new legislative office is located at 1803 Beglis Parkway, Sulphur, Louisiana 70663.  Mike can be reached at (337) 527-5581. His fax number is (337) 527-5803 and his e-mail address is danahaym@legis.state.la.us.