Robert Poydasheff

Robert Stephen Poydasheff (13 February 1930 – 24 September 2020)[1][2][3] was an American attorney and politician who served one term as mayor of Columbus, Georgia from 2003 to 2007. A retired military officer, he served in the United States Army for twenty-four years, retiring at the rank of colonel.

Bob Poydasheff
66th Mayor of Columbus, Georgia
In office
January 2003 – January 3, 2007
Preceded byBobby Peters
Succeeded byJim Wetherington
Personal details
Born
Robert Stephen Poydasheff

13 February 1930
Bronx, New York, U.S.
Died24 September 2020
Phenix City, Alabama
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)
Stacy Latto
​
(m. 1954)​
ResidenceColumbus, Georgia
Alma materThe Citadel (BA)
Tulane University (JD)
Boston University (MA)
OccupationLawyer, Politician
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Years of service1955–1979
RankColonel
UnitJ.A.G. Corps
Battles/warsVietnam War
Awards Legion of Merit
Commendation Medal

Early life and education

Poydasheff was born and raised in The Bronx in New York City; he attended DeWitt Clinton High School.[4]

He earned a B.A. in political science from The Citadel in 1954,[1] a J.D. from Tulane University Law School in 1957,[1] an M.A. in international relations from Boston University's Graduate Program in Berlin, Germany in 1967,[1] and attended The Hague Academy of International Law in The Netherlands.

Military service

In May 1955, Poydasheff was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry branch of the United States Army.[3] After going on leave without pay to attend law school, he was reassigned to the Judge Advocate General's Corps. His assignments included acting as chief counsel to several high-ranking officers involved in the My Lai Massacre and the Post Exchange scandal. A 1976 graduate of the United States Army War College, he served a total of twenty-four years, retiring as a colonel in 1979.[3] In 2012, the Army War College Foundation named Colonel Poydasheff an Outstanding Alumnus in recognition of his wide-ranging service to his community after his retirement from active duty.

Political career

Poydasheff served on the Columbus city council from 1994 to 2002. He was elected mayor in 2002, defeating fellow counselor Richard H. Smith and former state representative Jed Harris.[5] He was unsuccessful in his 2006 bid for re-election to a second term and was succeeded by former Columbus police chief Jim Wetherington.[6]

A Republican, Poydasheff described himself as ideologically similar to Colin Powell. He supported Democrat Teresa Tomlinson in her successful 2010 mayoral run.[7]

Personal life

Poydasheff was married to the former Anastasia "Stacy" Catherine Latto, and had two children, Catherine Alexandra Ross and Robert S. Poydasheff Jr.[1] Poydasheff died on 24 September 2020 after a brief illness.[8]

References
  1. "Bob Poydasheff". Ledger-Enquirer. Columbus, Georgia. July 14, 1994.
  2. https://www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com/obituary/ColonelRtandFormerMayorRobertBob-PoydasheffSr
  3. "Honorary Ranger Hall of Fame Inductee: Retired Colonel Robert S. Poydasheff". 75th Ranger Regiment. May 25, 2016. Retrieved December 16, 2018 – via Facebook.
  4. Williams, Chuck (March 14, 2015). "Sunday Interview with Bob Poydasheff: 'Fort Benning is Columbus and Columbus is Fort Benning'". Ledger-Enquirer. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  5. Hyatt, Richard (September 13, 2002). "Poydasheff wins mayoral race with assist from Smyre". Ledger-Enquirer.
  6. "Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Coverage of 2006 Election Results".
  7. "Colonel Likes the Lady". June 14, 2010. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  8. https://www.wrbl.com/news/former-columbus-mayor-bob-poydasheff-dies-after-a-brief-illness/
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