PINEVILLE, La. (KALB) - After more than two years on the job, Mayor Rich Dupree of the City of Pineville announced he is stepping down from his position, effective October 6, 2024.
This announcement comes after news broke of allegations that the mayor was involved in a relationship with a former city employee.
Dupree held a press conference on Sept. 23 to address what he said, “the scrutiny I have been under these last several weeks.”
“I firmly believed that Pineville was the best City in America,” Dupree said during the conference. “I continue to believe it today. It has been a great honor to serve the citizens of my hometown and to work with the good people of this community who share my commitment to service; notably our City employees, who are the best of the best - our Pineville City Council, and the many, many volunteers who give their time regularly.”
Dupree said this was the right decision to make after talking with a variety of people he trusts and respects. His decision to step down comes almost two weeks after Councilwoman Mary Galloway urged the mayor to resign.
Dupree said the current situation he is in puts a lot of stress on his family.
“No one wants to see their loved one go through what we’re going through, and I’ve been very careful privately but careful letting my family know what’s going on each step of the way,” Dupree said. “My wife and two sons have stood behind me all the way. We’ve all made mistakes unfortunately my mistake was played out on a much larger screen.”
Those mistakes led to chatter online. There is even a Recall Dupree Facebook page that has roughly 638 friends at the time of this writing.
Dupree said those outside forces played a role in his decision.
“I just needed to put a stop to that,” Dupree said. “The only way I could put a stop to that is to walk away from something that I’ve given 25 years to.”
A local podcaster has made some serious allegations against the mayor. We asked Mayor Dupree if the podcaster’s claims had any validity to them.
“I’ve turned the page on that, that’s effective today. I’m no longer looking backward, I’m looking forward,” Dupree said.
Dupree also declined to speak on what he calls “the indiscretion” due to ongoing litigation but had this to say during the press conference:
“Unfortunately, in today’s environment, it is not enough to defend the truth and ask for forgiveness,” Dupree said. “Too often the truth becomes a casualty to rumor and innuendo, especially when propagandized by unaccountable opportunists who stand in the shadows and hurl their stones in anonymity.”
Dupree said he is sad about his decision to step down.
“I’ve given it my all. I still feel like I’ve got a lot of gas left in the tank,” he said.
Dupree will be in office until Oct. 6 to allow for a smooth transition and to finish up some projects he’s working on. As of now, he currently does not know what his future plans are. Dupree said he wants nothing but the best for Pineville.
“The city is growing, and you just look around and see all the dirt that’s moving,” Dupree said. “I take great pride in having a part in that with some great people on this team and that’s what I’m going to miss more than anything.”
Mayor Dupree said the council has 20 days from his resignation to appoint someone to finish this term. He said any questions surrounding the legal aspect should be directed to the city attorney, Mark Vilar.
In a statement, the Pineville City Council said in part they are unified in moving forward with the best interests of the city and its citizens.
Dupree said in the next two weeks, he will be hosting transition meetings with each City Council member and Senior Staff to ensure a smooth transition.
You can watch the full press conference below:
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