Although he has yet to hold a press conference and qualifying is still more than a year away, the director of Parks and Recreation for Lafayette Consolidated Government has made it "official" and entered the race for the state Senate District 24 seat.
Although he has yet to hold a press conference and qualifying is still more than a year away, the director of Parks and Recreation for Lafayette Consolidated Government has made it "official" and entered the race for the state Senate District 24 seat currently held by Sen. Elbert Guillory.
In a fundraising letter sent to potential supporters obtained by The IND, Gerald Boudreaux makes a preliminary case for serving in the state's upper chamber:
I am writing to "officially" inform you of my decision to be a candidate for the LA State Senate District 24 seat. As you are aware, the election will be held on October 24, 2015. The qualifying period will be September 8-10, 2015. However, it is important that get our campaign organized and mobilized throughout the district in the coming months.
I have selected approximately twelve individuals to serve on my steering committee, and I have the process of meeting the elected officials and stakeholders in Lafayette, St. Landry, and St. Martin Parishes. The reception and feedback that I am receiving has been positive and very encouraging.
During my thirty-plus years in local government, we have worked extremely hard to provide recreational opportunities and programs to all segments of the population. We have provided the type of leadership that is imperative to being an effective Senator for the constituents that reside in District 24.
My purpose in writing is three-fold. I wanted you to know that with the support of my family, I have made the decision to continue serving in local government and to inform you of my intentions to seek the LA Senate District 24 seat. Secondly, I am requesting your prayers as we undertake this new endeavor. And finally, I am in need of your assistance in meeting residents, business owners, and friends as we solicit the level of funding that will allow us to have a successful campaign over the next months. I will make myself available to meet with you or anyone that wants to be a part of our team. While we will accept any level of contribution, campaign finance laws limit the amount of funds which may be received from one source, which applies separately to the primary and general elections, to a maximum of $2,500.00.
... I would be most appreciative if you would assist me by mailing a campaign contribution, and providing me with an opportunity to meet prospective supporters that will assist us in reaching our financial goals. May God continue to bless you and your family.
District 24 encompasses most of St. Landry Parish, northern parts of Lafayette Parish (where Boudreaux lives) and (since redistricting) a black majority section near Breaux Bridge in St. Martin Parish.
The politician Boudreaux hopes to replace - Elbert Guillory, a Republican-turned-Dem-turned-Republican - has indicated he will seek the office of lieutenant governor in 2015. Boudreaux is a lifelong Democrat.
Photo by Terri Fensel
Gerald Boudreaux
The older brother of Lafayette City-Parish Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux, Gerald Boudreaux, who has a bachelor of science degree from UL Lafayette in education, has served as a city- and/or city-parish director since 1985, having worked for parks and rec since mid-1978.
The elder Boudreaux is also well-known and well respected for his work as a college basketball official from 1984-2006, having been selected to work the Final Four five times during his career. He went on to serve as the coordinator of Men's Basketball Officials for the Southeastern Conference from 2006 through 2013.
Gerald Boudreaux also has a long history of community and civic involvement - he just completed a term as chairman of the board of directors of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. He served on the hospital's board from 2005-2013 and was recently selected to begin a six-year term as a trustee/board member for the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, which governs OLOL, three other hospitals and various clinics in the state.
Additionally, Boudreaux is on the board of the Miles Perret Cancer Services Center, is active with its healing ministry and is a member of the Martin Luther King Holiday Committee, where he has served as chairman since 1993.
Last year he was appointed to a three-year term on the board of directors of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.