Joel Robideaux
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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 |
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]
Robideaux was born in Lafayette, Louisiana.[4] He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.[5]
Career
Robideaux 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]