J. Rogers Pope

James Rogers Pope, known as J. Rogers Pope (born June 1941), is a retired school superintendent^[1] from Denham Springs, Louisiana, who is a Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from District 71 in Livingston Parish, one of the Florida Parishes in the southeastern portion of his state.

Pope received a master's degree and further graduate studies in education from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.^[1] He spent fourteen years as the Livingston Parish school superintendent, having retired in 2001. Previously, he was a teacher, coach, and administrator. He was the 2000 "State Superintendent of the Year" and the 1998 "Educator of the Year". Thereafter, he was the executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Executives.^[2]

Four Republicans and a Democrat entered the House District 71 race in 2007 to succeed Republican Dale M. Erdey, who was elected without opposition to the Louisiana State Senate seat vacated by the conservative Republican Heulette Fontenot.^[2] Pope led with 4,837 votes (34.7 percent). In second place was another Republican, John Ware, who polled 2,966 (21.3 percent). In fourth place was the Republican mayor of Livingston, D. Derral Jones.^[3] In the second balloting on November 17, which had a much lower turnout because of the lack of a gubernatorial contest, Pope prevailed, 2,684 (52.2 percent) to Ware's 2,462 (47.8 percent).^[4]

In the House, Pope has served on these committees: (1) Health and Welfare, (2) Retirement, and (3) Transportation, Highways, and Public Works.^[1] In 2010, Rogers received a 90 percent rating from the Louisiana Family Forum and 81 percent from the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.^[5]

In 2011, Pope voted to override the veto of Governor Bobby Jindal, who had blocked a legislative increase in the tobacco tax. He also voted to prohibit hand-held cellular devices while driving.^[5] Pope has worked to improve Interstate 12 in Livingston Parish. The highway is being widened to Walker. A four-lane bridge on Florida Boulevard at the Amite River has opened and has relieved traffic congestion at that location.^[6] In 2011, Pope was named "Legislator of the Year" by the Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation. He voted to restrict funding and coverage of abortion.^[6]

He is married to Patricia A. Pope.^[2]He was unopposed for a second term in the primary held on October 22, 2011.

References