We realize it has been said all too often, but these are indeed exciting times to live in Bogalusa.

The new calendar year ushers in the Bogalusa’s first female mayor in Wendy Perrette. It will be interesting to see what new and vibrant ideas she will bring to the table. The Daily News would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Charles Mizell on his accomplishments during his four years in office.

The City Council will be completely overhauled with new faces. Five of the seven City Council members will be in their first term at their first council meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. The new council members might be short on experience, but judging from their enthusiasm during their campaigns, they all seem to have the citizens’ well being at heart. That sincerity concerning the community they live in goes a long way in trying to right the ills of Bogalusa. Hopefully they will continue the good work of their predecessors while bringing a different perspective on how the city should move forward.

New City Council members include District A representative Gloria Kates, District B representative Tamira Moss-Smith, Brian McCree in District C, Malinda White in District D and Sherry Fortenberry, who will represent District E.

Doug Ritchie and Teddy Drummond will keep an eye on the big picture as the city’s at-large representatives. Drummond previously served as councilman for District D.

One of the issues the new City Council needs to keep at the fore is the development of business in Bogalusa. Over the past year, we saw six new businesses open their doors on South Columbia Street. They include 437 Restaurant, Wild Blu, Michele’s Boutique, The Polka Dot Tree, The Coffee Mill and Closet to Closet Consignment Boutique. Another business, Southern Charm, relocated to 401 S. Columbia.

Main Street Manager Robin Day says prospective tenants are constantly calling her to learn of moving to downtown.

“People are constantly asking me what is available,” Day said. “There is a lot of interest.”

Bogalusa isn’t going to change for the better overnight, but through the hard work of our elected leaders, change will indeed come.