CONVENT — Timmy Roussel has announced his intention to run for re-election for St. James Parish President.

Roussel has served as St. James Parish President for four years, as councilman for 16 years and has five years of experience as a Lutcher Alderman. He is also the former President of the Louisiana Police Jury Association and was recently appointed to the National Association of Counties Board of Directors by President Sallie Clark.

“As Parish President, I have led the way for many improvements on several very important issues facing St. James Parish,” Roussel said. “I look forward to continuing my work and providing a greater return on the taxpayers’ dollars.”

In the first four years, Roussel said he redefined the meaning of public service in St. James Parish, adding he saved the parish thousands annually by reviewing contracts and identifying areas that could be streamlined or eliminated.

Roussel also recovered thousands of dollars from workers’ compensation, fleet insurance, casualty and general liability, as well as an inmate prescription drug discount program.

Roussel said he was instrumental in petitioning Congress and the President to stop the $28,000 per year increase in flood insurance.

Roussel was one of the first to start the 364-day effort resulting in President Obama signing The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. Roussel said the efforts saved people an average of a 300 to 3,000 percent insurance premium increase.

According to Roussel, he secured the USACE’s support to receive ring levees in Paulina, Lutcher and Gramercy and support to plan closures for the north side of Highway 3125. He has continued the work for additional hurricane protection through the Drainage & Flood Protection Task Force.

“Our unique environment presents unique challenges that must be faced efficiently so we can continue to safely enjoy all St. James Parish has to offer,” said Roussel who accomplished a 50 percent completion rate of cleaning ditches and canals to improve drainage after Hurricane Isaac and the May 28, 2014 100-year rainfall event.

“I will continue to fight to make our communities safer by expanding recreation and after school programs to keep our children off the streets and out of trouble.”

Roussel resides in Lutcher with his wife, Linda. He is the father of two sons, Ryan and Timmy Jr. and a daughter, Lauri. He is the proud grandfather of Alyssa, Ethan, Tristan, Hayden, Emmie and Ryan Timothy, Drake and Rylie.