Associated Press - November 13, 2009 12:24 PM ET

WINNFIELD, La. (AP) - Officials say longtime Winnfield Mayor Deano Thornton has stepped down from office.

The Alexandria Daily Town Talk reports Friday the city council has until Nov. 19 to name a new mayor and if one isn't named by then the governor will appoint a mayor until the next election.

Thornton, who has 26 1/2 years of service with the city. said he stepped down because of increased obligations with his work with Winn Community Health Center. In March he accepted a job with the nonprofit group that opened up the federally qualified health clinic in the community.

Thornton served as Winnfield City Marshal for 10 years before becoming mayor in 1994.

Information from: Alexandria Daily Town Talk, http://www.thetowntalk.com

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