By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – St. John Parish School Board President Gerald Keller has announced his candidacy for St. John the Baptist Parish president.

Keller, 69, is in his fourth term as a member of the St. John Parish School Board. He said in a statement his integrity and experience in managing the board’s general fund make him a suitable candidate for the parish’s top office.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of running for the parish presidency, and I earnestly seek the support of my friends, family and other parish residents who desire strong, executive leadership in the office of the parish president,” Keller said. “I feel many have given up on the parish. I haven’t given up, and I am willing to fight for our future.”

Keller holds a doctorate degree in education from the University of New Orleans. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University and his graduate-level teaching certification from Tulane University and Louisiana State University. He is a graduate of St. Peter School and the former Leon Godchaux High School of Reserve.

Keller has written and co-authored two local books – “Big Joe” and “Precious Gems from Faded Memories: A Pictorial History of St. John the Baptist Parish.”

He is married with four children and resides in Reserve.

With the addition of Keller, the race for parish president now stands at three. Div. A Councilman-at-Large Richard “Dale” Wolfe and St. John Acting Chief Administrative Officer Buddy Boe have already announced their intentions to run.

The seat was vacated Sep. 24 when former Parish President Bill Hubbard resigned from office in the wake of an investigation into bribery charges involving a trio of parish contractors. Hubbard pleaded guilty to all charges and is now awaiting sentencing.

Two years remained on Hubbard’s four-year term and the parish’s home rule charter indicates the parish must run a special election, which is scheduled for March 27. Official qualifying for the race will be Feb. 3 through 5.