Larry Selders, 26, Democrat

District 10

seldersforcouncil.com

Do you support or oppose the $989 million bond proposal, as voters will consider it in November?

I do not believe that anyone will argue that we desperately need to update our drainage infrastructure, detention centers, police and firefighter facilities. I understand that the economic development pieces are more controversial. I support the mayor’s vision, and with the current structure of the bond we cannot have one without the other.

Should city government focus on bringing new businesses and attractions for tourists more than building infrastructure and services?

I believe that both are critical to our city. We must upgrade our infrastructure and services. We also must never lose focus on economic development.

Do you think parish property taxes are too high?

Our current millage is 10% lower than the state average. We are almost 50% lower than St. Tammany parish. Based on that fact, I believe our property tax is reasonable.

Do you think the parish budget is too bloated? If so, what are your plans to solve the problem?

There are always inefficiencies in governmental budgets. It is my goal to work through this budget with my new colleagues to identify and correct these inefficiencies.

What are your thoughts on the loop project? How do you suggest paying for it?

Very few will argue that we do not have a traffic problem in our city. To date the loop project is the most effective solution that has been proposed. I am very open-minded to alternative solutions, but the traffic congestion must be resolved.

Do you think the parish drinking ordinances are too loose or too restrictive? Should there be a special entertainment district established downtown with extended bar hours, an open container law or sidewalk-patio drinking? Should it extend to bars throughout the rest of the parish?

The current drinking ordinances are appropriate for the parish as a whole. A special entertainment district established downtown could go a long way to encourage economic development downtown. As we consider this, we must also recognize that we will need a strong police presence downtown to ensure that the environment is responsible and safe.

Should Baton Rouge have at least a few Metro Council members who serve at-large rather than a geographic district? Why or why not?

I am interested in any conversation regarding the restructuring of city-parish government. Any additions or subtractions would need to be considered through cost-benefit analysis, to this point I have not seen any data on this issue

The “One Baton Rouge” resolution fell short one vote last year. Is it up to Metro Council members to vote on such diversity issues? Where do you stand?

Any resolution that is submitted to the council should be voted on by each council member. I do not believe in any form of discrimination.

Children across the nation are getting mauled almost monthly by pit- bull dogs. As a Metro Council member, how would you vote on breed-specific ordinances?

Dogs are no different than children; they require training and supervision. I believe that any person who owns any animal that injures a child should be held responsible for the actions of that animal.

Name your top three goals if elected to the Metro Council.

Crime

Infrastructure improvements

Economic development