By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Citing a desperate need for continuity in St. John the Baptist Parish after a turbulent few years, Parish President Natalie Robottom has announced she will seek re-election when voters go to the polls Oct. 22.

Robottom said in a statement that she and her administration have “worked hard to restore trust and confidence in parish government,” while moving forward on various projects to enhance the quality of life in the parish. She said aggressively pursuing economic development and employment opportunities for local residents will remain a top priority of her administration.

“Recent census figures show St. John is home to some 46,000 people,” Robottom said. “Businesses are locating and expanding here because they know they are dealing with an honest administration focused on ensuring that St. John remains a great place to live and work.”

Robottom was elected parish president last May in a special election to replace former Parish President Bill Hubbard, who resigned and pleaded guilty to bribery charges. Hubbard is now serving a three-and-a-half year sentence at a federal prison in Pollock.

“I’m actually the fourth parish president we have had in four years,” Robottom said. “The people of St. John Parish deserve some continuity in government, and I want to give that to them.”

Since taking office, Robottom has implemented a Zero Tolerance Policy for corruption and formed a Presidential Advisory Committee comprised of diverse groups of citizens that studied government policies and procedures to help her administration develop a multi-year plan for the future of the parish.

Her administration is also continuing work on major public works projects, including drainage improvements to the old Riverlands, St. Joan of Arc, Balsam Street, St. Peter, Foxwood, Homewood and Central Avenue areas.

Robottom’s administration has also expanded the scope of services available through the parish’s website to help make government more efficient.

“We are increasing transparency and putting parish contracts, documents, procedures and more on our website,” Robottom said. “The people of St. John can continue to trust me to do what’s right. I will always do what is best for our parish.”

Before becoming parish president, Robottom served as Gov. Bobby Jindal’s director of the Office of Community Programs. She also oversaw councils for Native and Latin Americans and was Louisiana’s liaison for the White House Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

She served as St. John’s chief administrative officer from 2004-2008 and also as the parish’s chief financial officer. She was the parish manager for Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government before joining the Jindal administration.