SAINT MARTINVILLE, LA — Saint Martinville’s local government is undergoing a significant transformation following a decision by voters to adopt the Lawrason Act, a move that will reshape the way the city is governed after more than 100 years under its previous legislative charter.
In a historic vote on May 3, residents of all five city districts came together to approve the change, signaling a strong desire for a more structured and accountable governance system. The transition will bring clarity to the roles of the city’s mayor and council, with the aim of reducing internal conflicts and improving city operations.
Mayor Supports Change, Emphasizes Unity
Mayor Jason Willis, a strong proponent of the switch, expressed confidence that the new system would bring much-needed structure to the city’s operations. “This will bring us more structure, more accountability, and that is so huge for our city,” Willis said in an interview following the vote.
The decision was made after a February vote by the Saint Martinville City Council, which allowed residents to choose whether to continue with the existing charter, established in 1898, or transition to a Lawrason Act government. The latter option, which was favored by voters, gives the mayor clearer authority over specific aspects of city governance, particularly in areas such as hiring and personnel management. At the same time, the city council’s responsibilities are more distinctly defined, creating a balance of power between the two branches of government.
Despite the support for the change, some community members have voiced opposition to the Lawrason Act. Large signs criticizing the shift remain visible in parts of the city, and several residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome. However, Willis stressed that the decision was made by the people of Saint Martinville and that the voice of the community must be respected.
“Not saying there won’t be any conflict or disagreement—we gotta agree to disagree. And at the end of the day, it shouldn’t be about what I wanted, it shouldn’t be about what the council wanted; it’s about what the people wanted, and they spoke loud and clear,” he said.
New System Aims to Reduce Friction, Clarify Roles
Under the Lawrason Act, the mayor will have more direct control over certain decisions, but the change does not grant the mayor unchecked power. Willis emphasized that the new system maintains a balance of authority, ensuring that neither the mayor nor the city council holds too much influence.
“This doesn’t take away the council’s power, and it doesn’t give the mayor all the power. It does give clear lanes of what the duties are, and it separates the power to where not one branch of government will have too much power,” he explained.
The Lawrason Act, which went into effect immediately following the vote, is expected to streamline city operations and reduce overlap in responsibilities. While the transition is still in its early stages, Willis is optimistic about its potential benefits. “We can’t say we know exactly what this Lawrason Act is going to do, but we do know it’s going to give us an opportunity to do better,” he said.
Training and Implementation Underway
With the passage of the Lawrason Act, the city is now in the process of implementing the new governance model. A training session with the Louisiana Municipal Association is scheduled for Wednesday, where city officials and staff will learn more about how to operate under the new system.
Willis expressed hope that the training will help officials fully understand the Lawrason Act and allow them to move forward with the necessary changes to improve city operations. While the immediate impacts of the switch remain to be seen, city leaders are optimistic that it will lay the groundwork for a more efficient and accountable local government moving forward.
The Lawrason Act’s implementation marks a significant moment in Saint Martinville’s history, and its effects on the city’s governance will be closely watched in the coming months.