| After nearly 40 years of success as a local business owner, Rodney Schamerhorn seeks to serve District 24 as their State Representative.
Schamerhorn graduated from Hicks High School in Vernon Parish, attended Louisiana College and Northwestern State University, and began his own trucking, demolition, and dirt business in 1984. Rodney's company, Schamerhorn, Inc. has been continually recognized as a leader in the industry. In addition to his company's work for better solutions for construction waste and improved recycling methods for our region, they continue to serve the individual needs of local residents. Rodney has also served our communities in various ways as a Police Juror, serving organizations such as the Jaycees, Lions Club, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4-H, Louisiana and the National Cattleman's Association, and currently serves as a Board Member for the Louisiana Solid Waste Association and Louisiana's Safety Director for Solid Waste of North America.
While his career may be decorated with many accolades, it is not something you will find Schamerhorn boasting about. His greatest desire is to use the skills he has learned along the way to better our 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 says.
Rodney and Tammy have two adult children and one grandchild. Tammy is a retired school teacher and also a small business owner. Their children, Chris and Randi, are both graduates of Simpson High School and Northwestern State University. Chris is co-owner and CEO of Schamerhorn, Inc and Schamerhorn C/D Landfill. He and his wife, Heather, along with their daughter Olivia, live in the Hicks community. Randi, a former 3-term school board member in Vernon Parish, is also a small business owner, along with her husband, Guide and Pro Fisherman, Darold Gleason. They reside in Many on Toledo Bend Lake.
Schamerhorn has several topics on his plan for reform. Many of the challenges and issues voiced by members of this district can be traced back to one very important, yet highly-avoided topic by many legislators - wasteful spending. Schamerhorn believes it has become an epidemic and he has spent countless hours studying our government's spending. According to Rodney, the bridge to better education, healthcare, infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc), and less taxes is hidden in the decisions of government spending. It's critical we elect people who can effectively manage resources to not overextend our hard-earned taxpayer dollars and elect someone who believes in financial transparency.
Schamerhorn believes it is also imperative that a representative carries your agenda to Baton Rouge and not his/her personal agenda. Over the last several months, Rodney has diligently listened to the concerns of constituents and that's what he pledges to continue to do.
Rising insurance costs and tort reform have been a major concern of constituents which would also reduce the number of companies that are leaving Louisiana. Our current legislative choices have resulted in Louisiana having the second highest auto insurance rates in the United States. Another insurance concern is access to affordable health insurance. As a father of a child with a genetic, terminal illness, Rodney knows this issue all too well. Rodney believes our citizens deserve more options for affordable health insurance and should not be penalized for pre- existing conditions.
Our district's most dominant industry is the timber industry. Rodney believes it is time this industry has the support and representation by someone who understands the intricacies of this field and the many challenges and frustrations that could be alleviated by new legislation.
Rodney, raised by his grandparents, learned at a very early age how to work hard, have tenacity in the face of adversity, serve and give generously to others, and stay true to a conservative upbringing. Rodney serves and worships at East Leesville Baptist Church. He is pro-life, pro- 2nd amendment, and believes that small businesses are the backbone of our communities. Schamerhorn's greatest desire is to bring positive change to our communities that the hardworking constituents of this district so desperately deserve. |