Rodney Schamerhorn
| Rodney Wayne Schamerhorn | |
 | |
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 13, 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Frank A. Howard |
|---|---|
| Born | January 11, 1955 Vernon Parish, Louisiana Resident of the Hicks community |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Tammy Haymon Schamerhorn |
| Children | Christopher Wayne "Chris" Schamerhorn Randi S. Gleason |
| Alma mater | Louisiana College |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Religion | Baptist |
Rodney Wayne Schamerhorn (born January 11, 1955) is a businessman from Vernon Parish, Louisiana, who is the Republican state representative for District 24, which encompasses Natchitoches, Sabine, and Vernon parishes in the western portion of the state.
In the nonpartisan blanket primary held on October 12, 2019, Schamerhorn, with 7,377 votes (53 percent) defeated two opponents, fellow Republican Greg Lord, who polled 5,259 votes (37 percent) and Independent Willie Banks, who received 1,402 votes (10 percent). Schamerhorn succeeded the term-limited Frank A. Howard, a Democrat-turned Republican. In 2015, Howard had defeated Schamerhorn in this legislative race.[1]
Background
Schamerhorn graduated in 1973 from Hicks High School in Vernon Parish, where he still resides. He attended Louisiana College in Pineville, and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. In 1984, he launched Schamerhorn, Inc., a trucking, demolition, and dirt business still recognized as a leader in the industry. The company serves individual needs of residents and works toward better solutions for construction waste and improved recycling methods. Schamerhorn is a board member of the Louisiana Solid Waste Association and the state director for Solid Waste of North America.[2]
He is a former member of the Vernon Parish Police Jury, the parish governing body. He has been affiliated with the Jaycees, Lions International, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4-H, and the Louisiana and the National cattleman’s associations.[2]
Schamerhorn is married to the former Tammy Haymon (born 1959), a native of Houston, Texas, graduate of Northwestern State University, retired educator and current consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics.[3] Their son, Christopher Wayne "Chris" Schamerhorn (born 1980) is the co-owner and chief executive officer Schamerhorn, Inc., and Schamerhorn C/D Landfill. Daughter Randi S. Gleason, is a former member of the Vernon Parish School Board who lives in Many on Toledo Bend Lake with her husband, Darold Wylie Gleason, a professional guide and fisherman originally from central Louisiana. Like her mother, she too is a consultant for Mary Kay.[4]
The Schamerhorns had a second son who had a genetic terminal illness.[2]
Campaign promises
Schamerhorn said that he will use his skills in a variety of ways to better the state. “It is time for change in Louisiana and I am ready to dedicate my full- time effort to serving the interests of you, the members of this great district," Schamerhorn said.[2]
As a legislator, Schamerhorn said that he will vote according to wishes of his constituents even if he should personally oppose a position favored by the consensus of the district. He advocates tort reform; Louisiana has the second highest auto insurance rates in the United States. He supports access to affordable health insurance. He vowed to strengthen the timber industry, particularly vital to northwest Louisiana.[2]
On October 14, 2023, Schamerhorn sought House relection against a fellow Republican candidate, Clarence Beebe.
References
- ↑ Louisiana Secretary of State, Election Returns, October 12, 2019.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Rodney Schamerhorn: State Representative District 24. The Natchitoches Parish Journal (September 11, 2019). Retrieved on October 20, 2019.
- ↑ Tammy Haymon Schamerhorn. Facebook. Retrieved on October 21, 2019.
- ↑ Randi Schamerhorn Gleason. Facebook. Retrieved on October 21, 2019.
