Melancon Jr. tapped for father’s post

The Greater Lafourche Port Commission board of directors named John Melancon Jr., son of the late John “Johnny” Melancon, to fill his father’s position during a special meeting last Wednesday.

Melancon received a unanimous nod after being nominated by board president Larry Griffin. He will serve in his father’s spot until a special election is held to fill Seat G for the remainder of the board’s term.

“Johnny Melancon will be hard to replace no matter who sits in his seat,” Griffin said in a news release. “He was a great colleague and personal friend, and he will be greatly missed by all of us at the port.”

The senior Melancon has been credited with being an influential force in the development of Port Fourchon. He served 15 years as a member of the port board of directors, during which he held multiple offices including vice president and president of that body. He was serving as treasurer when he died on Oct. 18.

As a commissioner Melancon saw Port Fourchon expand with such noted additions as the northern expansion project and the acquisition of the South Lafourche airport in Galliano.

These and other accomplishments were noted as being significant by port officials because the bulk of the Greater Lafourche Port Authority is self-generated and does not collect revenue from sales taxes. A minimal mileage charge accounts for only a fraction of the board’s annual budget.

“We are sure Mr. Johnny would have been proud to see his son John Jr. stepping up to represent him,” said port director Chet Chiasson. “John has followed his father’s tenure as commissioner, knows the port and this area, and is committed to our success. He understands what we do and what we’re here for.”

The junior Melancon immediately took the seat to which he was appointed after a brief swearing in ceremony. One of his first acts as a commissioner was filling the treasurer’s position left by his father.

The board selected commissioner Jimmy Guidry for the job. Guidry was already a member of the finance committee.

In other action, the board also named Perry Gisclair to the executive committee.