Nuss will resign from council

Council will choose replacement by majority vote

St. Charles Parish Councilman Dennis Nuss will step down from his council seat on Dec. 4 to pursue a career opportunity in the Houston area.

Nuss was first elected to the District VII seat in 2007 and was re-elected in 2011. He served as council chairman in 2008 and 2011, and vice chairman this year.

According to the St. Charles Parish Home Rule Charter, the council will have 30 days after Dec. 4 to fill Nuss’ seat with a temporary appointment. A majority of the council must approve of the appointee.

Council Chairman Larry Cochran said that the council will use input from Nuss in order to appoint a replacement.

"Dennis has represented that district and he will know who the best person to fill in for him will be," Cochran said.

Because the unexpired portion of Nuss’ term is more than one year, a special election will then be called by the Parish Council in the spring. The person who wins the election will serve on the council through January 2016. The special election will likely take place on April 6 and the temporary appointee will be allowed to run for the open council seat.

Nuss issued a statement thanking the people of his district for understanding that his family and career are his priorities.

"It has been an honor to serve as your councilman for the past five years, and I wish all the best for my colleagues in parish government and the citizens of St. Charles Parish," he said.

Nuss said he and his wife made the decision with mixed emotions.

"Our years in St. Charles Parish have been most enjoyable and will always be treasured," Nuss said. "I am truly grateful for the relationships that I have built and the experiences I’ve had during my time as an elected official, and these will stay with me for years to come."

Nuss said he is confident that the person appointed to his seat on an interim basis will represent District VII with fairness, integrity and urgency.

"I wish him or her success and will gladly provide whatever assistance I can to help with the transition," he said.