New Orleans, La. - Jon Johnson is no longer a New Orleans city councilman. He resigned from his District E seat on Wednesday. His resignation came after he pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal federal funds and conspiring to submit false documents to a federal agency.
"I had no idea," said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "And I think everybody is shocked and surprised by the turn of events today."
The remaining six council members met for an emergency meeting Wednesday afternoon to begin the process of filling the District E seat.
"We accepted this news today with great sadness," announced Council President Jackie Clarkson. "But our main concern is District E and the Lower 9. And we will proceed as rapidly as possible."
The council voted unanimously to call for a special election on November 6. They were forced to move swiftly because Wednesday was the Secretary of State's deadline for filing paperwork for a special election this year.
Before that election, the council is faced with appointing an interim council member. Senator J.P. Morrell (D-New Orleans) says his constituents want a say in who gets that job.
"The main concern is that when a person is being chosen by this council... they just want the ability to weigh in because that is their representative." Morrell said before the council Wednesday.
Mayor Landrieu says he will also be involved in the process. "I spoke with Jackie Clarkson a bit ago and she's agreed to work with me in designing a process that makes a lot of sense and will get somebody in there quickly who can represent the East very well and the 9th Ward.
The council has 30 days to appoint someone. If they are not able to make a decision within that time period, the decision will go to Mayor Landrieu.
The only person to publicly announce his candidacy for the seat is State Representative Austin Badon (D-New Orleans). A few other names have surfaced as potential candidates. FOX 8 has learned that Representative Wesley Bishop (D-New Orleans) and former Interim Council member Mike Darnell are both interested in the District E seat.
Political analysts say other possibilities include New Orleans attorney Dana Henry and New Orleans East community activist Alicia Plummer.
The three-day qualifying period for the election begins August 15.
