Karen White unanimously appointed as replacement, bringing municipal law expertise to smooth transition

ADDIS — Dana Larpenteur's retirement after 48 years as Addis Town Attorney marks the end of an era for the small West Baton Rouge Parish community, with Mayor David Toups noting that Larpenteur "wrote most of the laws in the town of Addis" during his nearly five-decade tenure.

The town council unanimously appointed Karen White as Larpenteur's replacement Monday night, selecting an attorney with decades of municipal law experience through her former role as executive counsel with the Louisiana Municipal Association.

Generational Connections Run Deep

The personal relationships spanning generations became clear during Monday's meeting, when council member Kevin LeBlanc reflected on his family's long history with Larpenteur.

"You know we go way back dad was alderman back in the day we hung out," LeBlanc said, noting that Larpenteur, his wife, and LeBlanc's parents "went back a long ways." The connections extend even further, with LeBlanc adding, "You've been great to my dad you know my dad's a man of a few words but he spoke highly of you and I feel the same way."

Institutional Knowledge Walking Out the Door

Mayor Toups emphasized the significance of losing nearly half a century of institutional knowledge, describing Larpenteur as someone who has guided the town through "some pretty tough situations" with professionalism and the town's best interests in mind.

"There's nothing but he's had a very long career here in Addis and he served the town you know with guidance and professionalism and he always kept the town's best interests in mind," Toups said during the meeting.

The depth of Larpenteur's institutional knowledge became apparent when the council simultaneously appointed him as the town's first magistrate at $500 per month, specifically because "he's wrote most of the laws in the town of Addis," according to Toups.

Bringing Professional Experience

White's appointment represents a strategic choice for continuity and expertise. Her entire career has focused on supporting municipal elected officials, spending two decades as executive counsel with the Louisiana Municipal Association where she answered technical assistance questions from municipalities across the state.

"My entire adult career can be summed up as trying to support municipal elected leaders and municipal elected and appointed officials and members to do what they do that is a personal passion of mine," White told the council during her introduction.

White emphasized her familiarity with municipal law complexities: "Becoming intimately familiar with what the matrix of laws is that pertains to municipal government operations is something that's been decades dealing with."

Planned Transition Through September

The council structured the transition to ensure continuity, with Larpenteur's official retirement date set for the end of September. Both attorneys plan to work together during the transition period to transfer knowledge and ongoing cases.

"Dana's last official date is the end of the month so they'll work just just mock together and of course that is gonna help in any kind of transition roles," Toups explained.

White confirmed she has already begun coordination with Larpenteur: "He's very gracious with his time and energy and so I have no doubt that he will be very kind and making sure I have as many transitions."

One-Year Contract Allows Evaluation

The council approved a one-year initial contract with White, allowing both parties to evaluate the working relationship before making longer-term commitments.

"We talked about having an initial contract term that is for a year that allows for sort of a date definite for us to all how to love and say are we happy with our good things going I want to make sure that that I'm meeting all the needs and expectations that you have," White said.

Endorsement from Retiring Attorney

Larpenteur provided a strong endorsement for his replacement, telling council members that White "knows more municipal law than I could have ever learned what 48 years so I think she's a beautiful choice for you."

The endorsement carries particular weight given Larpenteur's extensive experience and reputation for putting the town's interests first throughout his career.

Magistrate Court Creation

In conjunction with selecting White as town attorney, the council voted to create a magistrate court with Larpenteur as the appointed magistrate. The move addresses ongoing legislative pressures against mayor's courts throughout Louisiana.

"I've been talking for several years now about the direction of Addis mayor's court and how we are always under attack just the mayor's courts throughout the state all every year every legislative session," Toups explained.

The magistrate position will be funded through court costs and fees rather than tax revenue, making it budget-neutral for the town.

Looking Forward

White's appointment represents both an end and a beginning for Addis municipal government. While the town loses nearly five decades of institutional knowledge with Larpenteur's retirement, it gains an attorney with specialized municipal law expertise and statewide experience.

The transition comes at a critical time as the town advances major infrastructure projects and navigates ongoing legislative challenges to municipal authority.

Larpenteur officially retires September 30, 2025, ending a career that began during a different era of municipal government but shaped modern Addis through decades of legal guidance and community service.

Continued Regional Service

While stepping away from municipal law, Larpenteur continues serving the broader community through his role on the board of directors for CASA of the 18th Judicial District Court, which advocates for abused and neglected children in foster care across West Baton Rouge, Iberville, and Pointe Coupee parishes.

His involvement with the Court Appointed Special Advocates program demonstrates a commitment to public service that extends beyond his official town duties, working to ensure vulnerable children have voices in the judicial system.

Larpenteur officially retires September 30, 2025, ending a career that began during a different era of municipal government but shaped modern Addis through decades of legal guidance and community service.