Ball, La. (UrbanCast: 6/23/2026) – Municipal leaders from across Central Louisiana gathered in Ball on June 22 for the Louisiana Municipal Association’s District E meeting, where speakers repeatedly emphasized the importance of local government and the role it plays in serving residents.
The Town of Ball hosted the meeting at The Shop, a former skating rink that has been transformed into a community event venue. The location reflects the town’s continued focus on growth, redevelopment, and investment in community assets.
Ball has experienced steady economic momentum in recent years, including the arrival of new businesses such as Tractor Supply and LeeBo’s Get It’N Gone. Local leaders have also focused on infrastructure improvements and community development projects that continue to strengthen the town’s position within Central Louisiana.
Hosted by Ball Mayor Gail Wilking, the meeting brought together mayors, council members, state officials, and community leaders from throughout the region.
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser thanked local officials for their service and praised the work being done in Louisiana’s towns and cities.
It was Small Towns and Cities That Got Me Elected
“When I traveled this state, it was small towns and cities that got me elected,” Nungesser said. “I’ll never forget that. Every town and every city is important.”
Nungesser also discussed flood mitigation efforts, waterway maintenance, and recovery efforts in communities recently impacted by severe weather.
State Rep. Gabe Firment provided a legislative update and addressed speculation that he may seek Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District seat.
“I’ve heard that I’m contemplating a run for Congress,” Firment said. “It’s a big decision for me and my wife.”
Firment said his accessibility to local officials would remain unchanged if he decides to enter the race.
“Every single mayor and every single council person will have my cell phone number,” Firment said. “Nothing will change.”
The meeting also featured remarks from candidates seeking statewide leadership positions within the Louisiana Municipal Association.
Baker Mayor Darnell Waites, a candidate for LMA president, said local government remains closest to the people and often addresses problems before anyone else.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re Republican or Democrat
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re Republican or Democrat,” Waites said. “When the water’s out, we’re going to fix the water. When the streets need fixing, we’re going to fix the streets.”
Waites said municipal officials are uniquely positioned to respond to the everyday needs of residents.
“We are closer to the people than anybody else,” Waites said.
West Monroe Mayor Staci Albritton-Mitchell, a candidate for first vice president, and Addis Mayor David Toups, a candidate for second vice president, also addressed attendees and asked for their support.
During the business portion of the meeting, District E members endorsed Waites for president, Mitchell for first vice president, and Toups for second vice president. Members also nominated and endorsed Wilking to continue serving as District E vice president.
The meeting drew participation from municipalities throughout Rapides, Winn, Grant, LaSalle, Concordia, and Catahoula parishes. Elected officials from communities large and small attended the gathering to discuss common challenges and opportunities facing local government.
Notably Absent
Notably absent, however, were elected officials from the City of Alexandria. Neither Mayor Jacques Roy nor any member of the Alexandria City Council attended the meeting.
The absence stood out because Alexandria is the largest city in District E and serves as Central Louisiana’s population, business, and governmental center. The meeting included discussions on municipal issues, legislative priorities, infrastructure opportunities, disaster recovery, and leadership elections that will help shape the direction of the Louisiana Municipal Association.
Despite Alexandria’s absence, the atmosphere remained positive and focused on collaboration. Municipal leaders spent the evening sharing ideas, strengthening relationships, and reinforcing a message repeated throughout the meeting: strong communities begin with engaged local leadership.
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