David Fa-Kouri, 45, Republican

Business owner

District 9

davidfakouri.com

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

No, not at this time. Until I can review the budget to see if our budget can be prioritized more closely, my answer must be no. With respect to the economic development component, as a community we should focus on a better quality school system. When we do this, we will grow our tax base. The disposable income from middle-class families is the lifeblood of a community that generates taxes.

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

We’re talking needs vs. wants. Daily our residential and business tax base supports us. If we increase the number of middle-class families in the parish, then we will achieve a greater economic impact than tourism. However, tourism is important because tourism delivers variable components of revenue, and this is needed as well. However this revenue source cannot replace the loss of resident middle-class families’ disposable income.

Do you think parish property taxes are too high?

I am not in favor of raising taxes. Yes, I feel taxes are too high in relation to the number of people who pay them. However, if we can grow our parish population with middle-class families, then our tax rolls will increase without having to raise taxes.

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

On the surface, yes I think so. However, until I have the opportunity to see things from the inside and learn more about all the components that make up the budget, I do not know enough to give you an informed answer. If the budget is bloated, then prioritization must occur so we do not waste what we have been entrusted to use properly.

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

Until I have more accurate data, I have no opinion on the issue. Do we need it, yes, but only if we can afford it. But without any hard due diligence, I must reserve my opinions. I feel the residents of my district must have the same opportunity as I have to understand if it is a good thing or not. We need to know who will be impacted, and how will it be paid for. Currently, we do know enough of the details to make a statement about it.

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?

I do not frequent down town enough presently to fully understand the issue as I should. Therefore, before making a statement either way, I really just feel I need to know more. The merchants of the area and the people who live downtown must have the final say on this because they are the ones who will be the most directly affected.

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

The Chamber asked me the same question. I think at-large seats on the Metro Council would be a good thing because in the past cohesion on the council was lacking. However, I am looking forward to being on the council and building cohesion with the new people so that we can move this city forward for all of our children’s futures. However, I feel this is an issue the voters must decide later, providing there is enough support to bring it to the voters.

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?

I will review it at the proper time and decide after visiting with the voters of my district. I am their representative; their views on such issues are my views in my capacity as their councilman. I am a man of faith as my district is also very faith-based. This is their decision; I am their messenger to the council on these type issues.

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?

I own pets. I love animals. I love children more. Pit bulls and others dogs are sometimes bred to fight. The issue is people, not the dogs. However, our jail population shows us that we cannot stop people from doing bad things. People control these dogs. I am open to look at whatever way we can to protect children and other animals that are being injured or exploited. I hope to represent the view of my residents as their views will be my views on this issue.

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

Give fidelity back to my residents and represent them properly as a member of our parish government. My “neighbor’s first” pledge is about our citizens, their families and businesses being the priority of mine ahead of all other interests. While I represent them on the council, in addition to holding our city-parish government accountable to representations made to our residents with respect to roads and infrastructure, I have fought and will continue to fight to increase public safety for our citizens. I also want to make sure our Baton Rouge does not become New Orleans North by making short-sighted decisions. We have many challenges before us, and we need strong leadership to help move the city as a whole forward with a vision that benefits all of our citizens.