Robert Rochelle
Robert Rochelle | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Tennessee Senate from the 17th district | |
| In office 1982–2002 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 25, 1945 |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
Robert Rochelle (born November 25, 1945) is an American lawyer and former Democratic politician. He served as a member of the Tennessee Senate from 1982 to 2002.
Early life
Robert Rochelle was born on November 25, 1945 in Nashville, Tennessee.[1] He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelor of science degree in 1968, and earned a juris doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1969.[1]
Career
Political career
Rochelle served as a Democratic member of the Tennessee Senate from 1970 to 2002.[1]
In 1987, Rochelle sponsored an amendment to a state employment bill to remove HIV/AIDS from its list of handicaps, thus making it easier for employees with HIV/AIDS to be dismissed or "denied promotions" by their employers.[2] The amendment was signed into law by Governor Ned McWherter the same year, though he denied remembering it when confronted it about it by gay activists in 1988.[2] Rochelle, however, said the amendment was intentional.[2]
In 2001, Rochelle's proposal to levy a state income tax was withdrawn due to protests.[3] He retired in 2002 due to "disappointment over a new sales tax increase and threats to his family."[4]
Legal career
Rochelle co-founded the law firm Rochelle, McCulloch & Aulds with Jere McCulloch and Jo Ann Aulds in 1987.[5] By 2016, it was "the largest law firm in Wilson County with 12 attorneys, more than 20 staff members and offices in Lebanon and Mt. Juliet."[5]
Personal life
With his wife Janice, Rochelle has two children.[1] They reside in Lebanon, Tennessee.[1] He is a Methodist.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f "Bob Rochelle's Biography PrintTrack This Politician". Votesmart.org. Project Vote Smart. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
- ^ a b c Pratt, James (March 20, 1988). "Law allows AIDS discrimination. Not a handicap under state's definition". The Tennessean. pp. 1, 6. Retrieved December 22, 2017 – via Newspapers.com.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|registration=ignored (|url-access=suggested) (help) - ^ "Tennessee Officials Drop Tax Plan After Protest". The New York Times. July 13, 2001. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
- ^ "Rochelle drops out of Senate". The Jackson Sun. Jackson, Tennessee. July 10, 2002. p. 1. Retrieved December 22, 2017 – via Newspapers.com.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|registration=ignored (|url-access=suggested) (help) - ^ a b "Rozell joins Rochelle, McCulloch & Aulds". Lebanon Democrat. August 29, 2016. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
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