Robottom and Wolfe face off at polls

Published 12:00 am Friday, April 30, 2010

By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – An increase in early voting numbers over last month’s primary election for St. John Parish President is prompting parish Registrar of Voters Betty Madere to predict another respectable turnout today, when voters go to the polls for the runoff.

Madere said Monday that 1,940 residents cast early ballots in the runoff, which is 114 votes more than the primary early voting period. She said those numbers indicate that voter turnout Saturday could be as high as 40 percent.

According to the Louisiana Secretary of State, turnout for the March 27 primary, which included five candidates, was a shade above 39 percent. St. John Parish has about 29,000 registered voters.

Today’s runoff for the parish’s chief executive pits LaPlace resident Natalie Robottom against Richard “Dale” Wolfe of Reserve. The winner, who will officially take office May 6, replaces former Parish President Bill Hubbard. Hubbard resigned from office in September before pleading guilty to federal bribery charges. His sentencing is scheduled for June 29.

Robottom raced out to an early lead and remained the front-runner in the primary. She finished the night with 4,243 votes (36 percent). Wolfe, who came from behind to capture second place, received 2,540 votes (22 percent). Both candidates are registered democrats.

Robottom, who has worked in the St. John Parish school system and was chief administrative officer under former Parish President Nickie Monica, has received endorsements from District Attorney Tom Daley, Sheriff Wayne Jones and Assessor Whitney Joseph.

Wolfe, a 34-year veteran of the St. John Parish Council and Police Jury, has the support of primary candidates Perry Bailey and Gerald Keller, along with council members Ronnie Smith, Haston Lewis, Charles Julien and Jaclyn Hotard. Wolfe also said Tuesday that he has set aside administrative positions for acting Parish President Pat McTopy and acting Chief Administrative Officer Buddy Boe.

Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Check out www.lobservateur.com for results and reaction throughout the evening.