The St. Charles Parish Council will accept John Landry III’s resignation as chairman of the Hospital Board at Monday’s council meeting, a position he was forced to leave as part of an agreement with the District Attorney’s office.
Landry’s departure was needed for him to get into the DA’s Pre-Trial Intervention Program, which requires his full compliance or he will be prosecuted for falsifying public records in connection with former DA Harry Morel’s obstruction of justice case.
Morel reported for prison on Monday and Landry submitted his resignation from the board as of Sept. 14.
Councilwoman Mary Clulee, the council’s ex-official member sitting on the Hospital Board, said the chairperson will likely be named among existing board members. There are two men and two women serving with two each to the East and West banks.
The council confirms appointment of Hospital Board members while the board elects a chair and vice chair.
Clulee, along with council members Billy Woodruff and Terrell Wilson, say they don’t have nominees for the board at this time.
Councilman Paul Hogan said he plans to nominate Richard Dufrene of Bayou Gauche, adding, “He’d be an excellent fit on the board.”
“I’m hoping for a concerned citizen with a vast range of knowledge and experience, not just a political appointee,” Hogan said.
With acceptance of Landry’s resignation on Monday, the council also will announce the vacancy. Nominations will be accepted at the Oct. 17 meeting and a nominee for the board slot on Nov. 14.
Clulee said she’d consider a nominee who would support the St. Charles Parish Hospital and it’s position in the community.
“I look forward to having a new member on the board,” she said. “I think Mr. Landry did a fine job as a board member. He worked hard. He was definitely in support of our local hospital and did what he could to promote it.”
Woodruff, as did Terrell, said they wanted a candidate with medical, as well as financial, background.
Landry stepped down from the board after being charged with four counts of falsifying public records and an additional four counts of conspiring to file falsified records.
Also part of the agreement, the local businessman, who owns Boutte Bingo Hall, must also testify in any criminal case against Morel should records-related charges occur, serve 128 hours of community service and pay $2,500 in program fees and restitution with the Sheriff’s Office.
Morel has not been charged in the case.
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