Gordon Dove (politician)

Gordon Earl Dove, Sr. (born April 5, 1957), is the President of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. Elected in 2015, he is the seventh person elected as "parish president" of the combined City of Houma and Terrebonne Parish government. Before being elected parish president, he was a businessman and a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for District 52 in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.

Background

Dove was born in Houma to Billy L. Dove, Sr. (1929–1995), and Earline J. Dove (1930–2002).^[1] Dove graduated from Terrebonne High School in Houma and attended Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.^[2] Dove first married Christine Bergeron. The couple had a son, who predeceased them, and three daughters. From his second marriage to the former Mona Himel, the couple had one daughter and Dove acquired three stepchildren.^[3] Dove owns Copeland chain restaurants in Houma and Lafayette. His Vacco Marine is an environmental vessel tank cleaning company. He is also engaged in the cleaning of oil spills. His Doveland Corporation is a real estate firm.^[4]

State legislature

In 2003, Dove won the seat vacated by unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate Hunt Downer, the former Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives, in a runoff election by only five votes over fellow Republican Tom Watkins, a Houma attorney. Dove was unopposed for his second and third legislative terms in 2007 and 2011. His principal legislative issue has been to secure funding for the maintenance of Louisiana's barrier islands to protect from coastal erosion and as a defense against hurricanes.^[4]

Originating in southern Houma, District 52 covers both Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. Fewer than 10 percent of the district lies within the latter Parish. The district is a major base of the offshore oil and gas industry. Oilfield service firms are found on Louisiana State Highway 311 and the Intracoastal Waterway. There are also numerous retailers and franchise restaurants. Through such operations as Southland Mall and the Terrebonne General Medical Center, the district is a regional center for shopping, entertainment, and health care. Houma frequently leads other Louisiana cities in job growth. The second largest Mardi Gras celebration outside New Orleans is held in Houma. The district has a diverse media market with three daily newspapers, a local television channel and talk radio outlets.^[4]

The district includes affluent residential areas in the Houma area and up and coming middle-to-upper-class neighborhoods along Highway 311 and in Summerfield. The area has a strong Cajun influence, as new residents arrive from the eroded coastline. There are small patches of poverty but a low crime rate. The district gave U.S. President George W. Bush 71 percent of the vote in 2004. However, it often supports Democrats of Catholic affiliation and with French surnames. The fishing industry is both commercial and recreational.^[4]

Dove is chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee and works to raise awareness of the importance of coastal passes and barrier islands. He supports the north-south corridor for hurricane evacuation and the funding of the hurricane protection system from Morganza to the Gulf of Mexico. Dove also supports the state charity hospital system by removing the Medicare and Medicaid caps placed on the hospitals.^[4]

Dove ran unopposed for his third term in the House in the nonpartisan blanket primary held on October 22, 2011. In 2013, Dove spoke out against his own House Republican leadership, particularly majority leader Lance Harris of Alexandria, for failure to consult with individual members in crafting the $25 billion state budget. Dove said the construction budget was held hostage to bring wavering members in line: "They made deals ... without telling us anything. To do that to your fellow party members, they have no morals. And I hope you print that because I’ve got no use for those guys," Dove told the Baton Rouge Morning Advocate.^[5]

Term-limited, Dove was ineligible to seek a fourth term in the House in the primary held on October 24, 2015. He was succeeded in the position by his fellow Republican Jerome Zeringue of Houma.^[6]

References