Dawson handling duties while Martinez out

GONZALES — A top aide to Ascension Parish President Tommy Martinez is serving as acting parish president this week while Martinez is on vacation, parish officials said.

Kenneth Dawson, one of two chief executive assistants to Martinez, said he will be acting parish president from noon Monday until noon Saturday.

The home rule charter requires that Martinez notify the Parish Council chairman and relinquish his powers and duties during an expected absence of more than 72 hours.

The chief administrative officer or Martinez’s designee handles the job.

Parish government does not have a chief administrative officer but Martinez has said he relies on Dawson and Thomas “Moose” Pearce as his top administrative lieutenants.

Dawson said Tuesday that the week will include many of the normal activities of parish government.

But, Dawson said, other issues may come up, including a resolution to a dispute over the Frog Bayou locks, a grant
proposal and the Louisiana Hot Air Balloon Championship Festival.