2 days Ago
Paul Aucoin Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Late last month, Paul Aucoin, a lifelong Louisianan, passed away. His children and family life were the ultimate source of his pride. But his commitment to public service and Louisiana is worthy of commemoration.
Aucoin's last professional role was executive director of the Port of South Louisiana, and I worked with him in that capacity as chairman of the board of the port. For those who don’t know, the Port of South Louisiana is one of the largest ports in the world with the notable distinction of shipping agricultural products produced in America across the globe. Under Aucoin's steady hand, the port became a larger presence in the state, creating jobs and tax revenue.
It's noteworthy that when the mouth of the Mississippi River, where it empties in the Gulf, was at risk of not being deep enough for cargo ships, Aucoin led efforts to ensure that the government dredged the channel to adequate depth. Aucoin explained to our lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
, that if we fail at this task, our state and our country could suffer economically and we could see other nations take our agricultural exports from us. He told members of Congress, senators, presidents and vice presidents that the river needs to be “dependable,” and they responded. Today, Aucoin's efforts, in conjunction with many other allies in the state, have ensured the river is adequately deep.
In addition to his work at the port, he was a leader in the state Democratic Party and was a successful attorney and businessman. Everyone who worked with Aucoin understood he was a gentleman. This stemmed from his commitment to ethical leadership and treating others with respect.
I know Aucoin, who outlived his wife Rita, never recovered from that loss. He is now reunited with his true love. D.
PAUL ROBICHAUX Destrehan.
