LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom announced she is seeking re-election in this fall’s balloting, scheduled Oct. 24.

“I remain committed to serving our community and improving the quality of life for all citizens,” Robottom said.

“This includes finalizing critical infrastructure improvements and securing the economic future of our residents and businesses.

“By restoring the public’s trust in government, promoting transparency and maintaining sound fiscal policies, the groundwork has been laid for continued progress.”

Robottom cited her in-depth knowledge and understanding of parish government and its operations as strong reasons for her decision, adding she has facilitated more than $62 million of residential and commercial construction in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Through her leadership as parish president, some $53 million in infrastructure improvements have been completed, with another $73 million of improvements ongoing, she said.

“Within the last year, major upgrades to the Ruddock Well System were completed, pumps were rehabilitated and others replaced, altitude valves were installed at four elevated storage tanks and a 12-inch connection to the St. Charles Parish water system was installed in case of emergencies,” Robottom said.

“A second waterline connection on River Road in Reserve was installed and a 12 inch waterline under the Mississippi River connecting East and West Bank treatment plants is near completion.”

Robottom said she led the passage of a $30 million bond issue that allowed for nearly $2 million in road improvements to be completed across the parish, with $1 million more for bridge and sidewalk repairs.

Robottom was first elected in 2010 to fill an unexpired term of office and was re-elected for a full term in 2011. She is one of three female parish presidents in Louisiana.

For 23 years, Robottom worked in the St. John the Baptist Parish school system as a Speech-Language Pathologist.

She served four years as St. John’s chief administrative officer and chief financial officer before working as parish manager for Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government and two years with the State of Louisiana as the director of the Governor’s Office of Community Programs.

Robottom and her husband of 32 years, Hernendez, live in LaPlace and have two adult children: Casey, a graduate of Tulane and Courtney, a Louisiana State University alumna. “I’ve always had the desire to help people and as your parish president I have the opportunity to help my community,” Robottom said.