INDReporter

Ross seeking District 8 council seat

The president of Edge Communications, Ross has ties to south Lafayette’s tea party movement and promises to bring “strong, conservative leadership” to the District 8 seat.

[Editor's Note: This article has been adjusted to reflect that incumbent Councilman Keith Patin, who announced in early April that he would seek re-election, has instead decided not to run.]

Lafayette businesswoman Carol Ross has announced a run for City-Parish Council in the fall election, according to radio station KPEL. The president of Edge Communications, Ross has ties to south Lafayette’s tea party movement and promises to bring “strong, conservative leadership” to the District 8 seat currently held by two-term incumbent Republican Keith Patin. Patin, who announced in early April that he intended to seek re-election, confirmed to The Independent Wednesday night that he will not run.

KPEL posted a statement from Ross on its website:

Having been active in numerous civic and charitable organizations and as a small business owner, I believe I offer a keen understanding of the needs of the district, which includes a mix of business and residential developments. I am committed to working with fellow council members and the new administration to move our community forward with strong, conservative leadership. When I came to Lafayette in 1966 it was love at first sight….and sound and taste. I fell in love with the people, the culture and the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit I found here, and I will do everything I can to nurture and promote them.

Ross is active in Lafayette’s civic life; she’s Rotarian and member of the UL Lafayette Alumni Association and serves on the boards of Acadian Home Builders and the Friends of the Humanities. She is married to Ron Gomez, a former state representative, candidate for Lafayette mayor and until recently publisher of the right-leaning Acadiana Gazette weekly newspaper. Ross’ “likes” on Facebook include the Koch brothers’ Americans for Prosperity and Rush Limbaugh.