30 Days As Mayor: White answers five questions about being Mayor of Abbeville
Roslyn White has been the Mayor of Abbeville for 30 days. The Abbeville Meridional sent her five questions about her first 30 days in office.
Well, you have been the mayor of Abbeville for 30 days. Is it what you expected?
White: The first month has been great. It’s still really new and a bit surreal. It’s been mostly administrative, introductory meetings, and lots of paperwork. I’m really enjoying seeing “behind the curtain” and learning more about how our city works.
What has been the biggest surprise for you as mayor?
White: “The number of times I have to sign my name in a day! I have signed my name more times in the last 30 days than in 45 years. I’m also still getting used to the title, it takes a minute for it to register when people say it, but we are having some fun with that part.”
What has been the most challenging part about being mayor?
White: “The most challenging part so far has been having an inside view of how many people in our community are truly struggling. As an elected official, our hands are often tied on how we can help. You try to educate people on available resources and work opportunities, but the struggles stay with you.”
What is your biggest accomplishment thus far as mayor?
White: “With the help of Senator Bob Hensgens and Representative Ryan Bourriaque, we were able to secure state funding for overlaying some of our downtown streets and some improvements on Graceland Avenue. These projects will now move into the planning phase. We expect construction to start in 2023. This took a team effort initiated by Mayor Mark Piazza and our council and is long overdue. We will also begin transitioning our streetlights to LED, which will greatly improve the health of our electrical grid, something we have wanted to do for years. I’m just getting started, there is a lot of work to be done, but we will get there one project at a time.”
Have you made any changes to your new office?
White: “I’ve moved in but haven’t had time to make any big changes. I will definitely make some updates when time and budget allow. It’s very dark and could use some sprucing up. It’s a great view, and I’d like to lighten it up and add a woman’s touch. As I get more settled in, I’m hoping to spend more time out of the office and out in the community visiting with people and discussing the goals for our future.”