DeRidder City Council continues to undergo positional changes

The DeRidder City Council has undergone more positional changes.

This summer, DeRidder has faced several changes and challenges: a new council president and vice president, the appointment of freshman council member Monte Mary Johnson Woods, District 2, and the unanticipated resignation and arrest of former Mayor Misty Roberts. She was arrested by Louisiana State Police on Aug. 1, and charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. The 42-year-old has been accused of having sex with a juvenile.

The Secretary of State’s Office received official notice of Roberts’ resignation on Aug. 1. The city had 20 days to fill the vacancy. Randy Larken was appointed as acting mayor at the meeting on Monday, Aug. 12. As the (recently appointed) council president, he was next in line, as determined by the city’s home rule charter.

He said at the meeting that he is “honored and humbled” to take the mantle.

“It’s not something that I take lightly, but being able to represent our city in this position has taught me quite a bit in just the 10 or 12 days,” he said. “There is no one that can step into a place like this from the president down to myself that’s able to change the way the Earth rotates in a short time. … But I vow to give it everything I’ve got for the best of the citizens of our great city, for the staff that I’m privileged to work with, and this council.”

In addition to more meetings than he can count, he is working with directors and employees to build “relationships, accountability and morale,” with the mission of unification in mind.

“Nothing here is an overnight fix, but I will continue to push forward with integrity and accountability, putting DeRidder first.”

Larken’s new role as acting mayor left two openings on the council: president and the District 4 council seat.

John Hyde was voted to serve as the interim council member for District 4. Larken recommended Hyde, said Councilman-at-Large Vincent Labue.

As vice president, Wayne Godfrey, Sr, District 1, was made acting council president.

Larken will serve as acting mayor until a new one is elected.

Elections have been scheduled for March 29, 2025 (primary) and May 3, 2025 (general).