Presiding over his final meeting as a Winn Parish police juror, Josh McAllister pointed out to fellow members that while they have had disagreements at times, they have all come together at the meeting table to work for the betterment of the parish as a whole.
He praised jurors who have stood up for the residents of their own districts yet have also voted for the good of the people of the parish. “We’ve had a little to work with and have accomplished a lot.”
There will be three new members on the Police Jury when it meets in an early session next month on Monday, January 8. They are Dist. 3 Darrell Franks, Dist. 4 John Garrett and Dist. 5 Kyle Potts, all present at the year-end session. McAllister addressed them along with the ongoing jurors when he pointed to the momentum of the jury.
“Keep things going. I hope the next jury will get along as well as we have.” He pointed to the staff and suggested that the new jury continue to lean on the knowledge and sound work ethic of these employees. He cited the secretary Karen Tyler and staff, calling them “instrumental to work with” and road superintendent Perry Holmes and his crew for their understanding and commitment of the jobs facing them.
He then went around the table, commending each of the jurors for their specific contributions and for their dedication to their elected positions. “This service takes much of our time,” he concluded. “My family has sacrificed a lot because of my commitment to the parish. It’s meant the world to me to serve with you.”
McAllister has served as vice present from 2016 through 2019 and as president from 2020 through 2023. He will assume duties of sheriff in July 2024.
Not to be overlooked as he steps down from parish service, vice president Kirk Miles spoke up to re-emphasize that working as a juror is “a trying position.” From the outset, the parish has dealt with nine natural disasters, from floods to Hurricane Laura then Hurricane Delta, ice storms and COVID. “We’re learned that while we first look out for our own districts, we have to work for the betterment of the whole parish.”
