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'''Ronald James Gomez''', known as '''Ron Gomez''' (October 14, 1934 – July 13, 2022) is a [[journalist]], [[author]], and [[business]]man from [[Lafayette]], [[Louisiana]] who served as a state representative from 1980 to 1989.[1] From 1990 to 1992, he was the secretary of natural resources in the cabinet of [[Governor]] [[Buddy Roemer]]. In 1992, Gomez, as a [[Democratic Party|Democrat]], launched a strong but losing race for [[mayor]] of Lafayette. He ran for office each time as a "good government reform" candidate without emphasis on party affiliation.

'''Ronald James Gomez''', known as '''Ron Gomez''' (October 14, 1934 – July 13, 2022) was a [[journalist]], [[author]], and [[business]]man from [[Lafayette]], [[Louisiana]] who served as a state representative from 1980 to 1989.[1] From 1990 to 1992, he was the secretary of natural resources in the cabinet of [[Governor]] [[Buddy Roemer]]. In 1992, Gomez, as a [[Democratic Party|Democrat]], launched a strong but losing race for [[mayor]] of Lafayette. He ran for office each time as a "good government reform" candidate without emphasis on party affiliation.

==Background==

==Background==

The open seat in District 44 developed when Representative [[Allen Bares]] ran successfully that year for the state Senate seat vacated by failed gubernatorial candidate [[Edgar G. "Sonny" Mouton, Jr.]], of Lafayette. In the 1979 [[general election]], when David Treen was elected governor, Gomez defeated a Republican woman, Mary Regan, the wife of a prominent Lafayette psychiatrist. She had been a volunteer nurse at the state Capitol and had developed an interest in politics through that experience. Gomez led in the nonpartisan blanket primary with 42 percent of the vote, and Regan trailed with 20 percent. Gomez recalled Regan as having "a very sweet demeanor, and I really didn't look forward to having to debate her" throughout a second election. Gomez ultimately defeated Regan, 76-24 percent. [11] He prevailed again in 1983 with 82 percent of the vote against a single Democratic opponent with the unlikely name of Cleophile "Bobby" Babineaux, who carried the backing of  [[organized labor]].[12]

The open seat in District 44 developed when Representative [[Allen Bares]] ran successfully that year for the state Senate seat vacated by failed gubernatorial candidate [[Edgar G. "Sonny" Mouton, Jr.]], of Lafayette. In the 1979 [[general election]], when David Treen was elected governor, Gomez defeated a Republican woman, Mary Regan, the wife of a prominent Lafayette psychiatrist. She had been a volunteer nurse at the state Capitol and had developed an interest in politics through that experience. Gomez led in the nonpartisan blanket primary with 42 percent of the vote, and Regan trailed with 20 percent. Gomez recalled Regan as having "a very sweet demeanor, and I really didn't look forward to having to debate her" throughout a second election. Gomez ultimately defeated Regan, 76-24 percent. [11] He prevailed again in 1983 with 82 percent of the vote against a single Democratic opponent with the unlikely name of Cleophile "Bobby" Babineaux, who carried the backing of  [[organized labor]].[12]

Though a Democrat in the legislature, Gomez opposed most [[Populism|populist]] and [[liberal]] measures pushed by his party. He worked closely with fellow Lafayette representative, [[Michael F. Thompson]], a Democrat-turned-Republican who was unseated in 1987 in a bitter campaign by an [[Independent]], [[Odon Bacqué]].[13]

Though a Democrat in the legislature, Gomez opposed most [[Populism|populist]] and [[liberal]] measures pushed by his party. He worked closely with fellow Lafayette representative, [[Michael F. Thompson]], a Democrat-turned-Republican who was unseated in 1987 in a bitter campaign by an [[Independent voter|Independent]], [[Odon Bacqué]].[13]

Gomez worked in 1986 to repeal the state's blue laws, among the last [[Sunday]]-closing requirements in the nation. Gomez determined that retailers along the borders of Louisiana were operating at a disadvantages because the surrounding states had already ended their restrictions on Sunday shopping. After debate centering upon issues of business and religion, the legislature ended the blue laws, effective December 1, 1986. Gomez commented: "When I drive past large shopping centers and malls now on Sundays and see their parking lots overflowing with shoppers' vehicles, it's hard to believe that could not be seen in Louisiana just over [twenty] years ago.[14] Gomez also obtained passage of a regional banking bill despite opposition from then U.S. Representative Buddy Roemer, a former banker originally from Bossier Parish in northwestern Louisiana.[15]

Gomez worked in 1986 to repeal the state's blue laws, among the last [[Sunday]]-closing requirements in the nation. Gomez determined that retailers along the borders of Louisiana were operating at a disadvantages because the surrounding states had already ended their restrictions on Sunday shopping. After debate centering upon issues of business and religion, the legislature ended the blue laws, effective December 1, 1986. Gomez commented: "When I drive past large shopping centers and malls now on Sundays and see their parking lots overflowing with shoppers' vehicles, it's hard to believe that could not be seen in Louisiana just over [twenty] years ago.[14] Gomez also obtained passage of a regional banking bill despite opposition from then U.S. Representative Buddy Roemer, a former banker originally from Bossier Parish in northwestern Louisiana.[15]