"My decision not to run is bittersweet."
State Rep. Bobby Badon, D-Carencro, announced Tuesday he will not seek re-election in October for a second term as the District 39 representative. Stung by a January 2010 arrest for OWI and, in June of this year, the release of the state police video of the arrest following a public records request by The Advocate, the former Carencro City Council member cites the expansion of his business and farming interests for his decision not to seek re-election. Following is the statement Badon released to the media Tuesday:
After long thought, deep discussions with my family and friends, and some prayer, I have decided that I will not seek re-election as State Representative for House District 39. My term in the Louisiana House of Representatives ends in January.
Before my 2007 election I served two terms on the Carencro City Council. I want to thank God for this opportunity to serve the good people of District 39. I also want to thank the people of Lafayette, St. Landry and St. Martin Parishes who entrusted me with the responsibility of representing them in the House of Representatives. Over the last four years, my work in Baton Rouge resulted in more than $17 million in state-funded projects coming to District 39. I will continue to ably represent the people of District 39 until my successor takes office in January.
My decision not to run is bittersweet. Although I do believe my constituents would have given me the opportunity to continue to serve them, the expansion of my business and farming interests is keeping me very busy and is taking more and more time away from my duties as State Representative. I am creating jobs and bringing opportunities right here in Lafayette Parish. I am confident in my abilities and proud of my accomplishments as State Representative of District 39. While I value my constituents in St. Landry Parish and St. Martin Parish, Lafayette Parish is the heart and soul of District 39. More than three-quarters of the residents of District 39 live in Lafayette Parish. Being from Lafayette Parish, it gave me a better understanding of the needs of all of my constituents. I feel it will be important for the next Representative to also have a full understanding of those needs and the needs of all the District.
Thank you and God bless.