Joel Robideaux (born October 5, 1962) is an American politician and accountant who served as the Mayor-President of Lafayette Parish from 2016 to 2020.[1] He was previously a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, representing the 45th district from 2004 to 2016,[2] and served as Speaker pro tempore of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 2012 to 2016.[3]
Joel Robideaux | |
|---|---|
| Mayor-President of Lafayette Parish | |
| In office January 4, 2016 – January 6, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Joey Durel |
| Succeeded by | Josh Guillory |
| Speaker pro tempore of the Louisiana House of Representatives | |
| In office January 11, 2012 – January 13, 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Karen Carter Peterson |
| Succeeded by | Walt Leger III |
| Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from the 45th district | |
| In office 2004–2016 | |
| Preceded by | Mert Smiley |
| Succeeded by | Jean-Paul Coussan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 5, 1962 Lafayette, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Bobette |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | University of Louisiana at Lafayette (BS) |
| Profession | Accountant |
Early life and education
editRobideaux was born in Lafayette, Louisiana.[4] He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.[5]
Career
editRobideaux began his career as an accountant.[6] In 2004, he was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives, where he served for twelve years. During his tenure, he was known for his work on fiscal policy and tax reform.[7]
In 2015, Robideaux ran for the position of Mayor-President of Lafayette Parish. He won the election and served from January 2016 to January 2020.[8] As Mayor-President, he focused on economic development, infrastructure improvement, and public safety.[9] One of his major achievements was managing the city's response to the 2016 flood.[10] He also led the initiative for a $100 million replacement of the Heymann Center.[11]
Robideaux faced challenges, including controversies over police department pay raises and vetoing funding for the Louisiana Avenue extension.[10]
Personal life
editRobideaux is married to Bobette, and they have three children.[12]
References
edit- ^ "Lafayette Mayor-President". Lafayette Consolidated Government. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ "Louisiana House of Representatives". Louisiana House of Representatives. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ "House Speaker". Louisiana House of Representatives. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ "Biography". Louisiana State Legislature. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ "Alumni". University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ "Joel Robideaux". Ballotpedia. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ "Robideaux on Fiscal Policy". The Advocate. November 13, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ "Robideaux Wins Mayor-President Election". The Advocate. November 24, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ "Robideaux's Mayoral Goals". The Advocate. November 25, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ a b "Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux reflects on his time in office". Cypress Lake Wire. January 5, 2020. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ "Joel Robideaux spearheads plan for $100 million Heymann Center". The Current. October 4, 2019. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ "Personal Life". The Advertiser. November 24, 2015. Retrieved May 17, 2024.