The first of two funeral services will be held today for former Louisiana Governor Gov. Buddy Roemer. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat recalls the political life of the former four-term congressman and a one-term governor.
“Buddy Roemer was an optimist, he was very bright, he was a character as far as politics was concerned. A lot of people loved him, and a lot of people disliked him because of his style,” said Pinsonat.
Roemer, a Bossier City native and Harvard graduate, first entered politics when he was elected as a delegate to the Louisiana Constitutional Convention in 1972. Pinsonat said Roemer’s father even worked for former Governor Edwin Edwards in his first administration then Roemer defeated Edwards in the 1987 Gubernatorial election.
“But he became his own person, ran for Congress. Didn’t like Edwin Edwards, ran against him for governor and became an overnight sensation as a candidate for governor when he said he would slay the dragon,” said Pinsonat.
As governor Roemer is remembered for legalizing riverboat gaming and the state lottery. Pinsonat said he’s also known for his call for education reform.
“And he was successful in this part, he made Louisiana think that we could do better, and education reforms are now standard practice all across the United States, but it really started here with Roemer’s push to make our schools better,” said Pinsonat.
Pinsonat said Roemer was extremely well-educated, an avid reader, and ahead of his time. After he left the governor’s mansion, he became a successful banker. Roemer was 77.
The first funeral service will be held at Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge today at 11 am with visitation beginning at 9 am. A second service will be in Shreveport on Thursday at First United Methodist Church, the service will begin at 11 am and visitation at 9:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting to honor Roemer with donations to the America Diabetes Association and the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools Little Free Libraries Projects.
Comments