Suchitra S. Dyer, 33, Democrat

Attorney, associate professor at Baton Rouge Community College

District 7

dyerchange.com

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

Mayor Holden’s bond package is ambitious, and I strongly support several of the items included in the upcoming bond proposal; however, bundling these items together in one measure precludes meaningful citizen voice into individual items.

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

Infrastructure and enhanced city services are critical needs in our community, and have historically been neglected and underfunded. They have a direct impact on our quality of life, and without emphasis and resources being placed on these two elements, our goals of further development and expansion cannot thrive.

Do you think parish property taxes are too high?

Of the three main types of taxes—individual, sales and property—parish property taxes are generally low. Taxes are a necessity in operating a democratic government; however, to ensure equitable tax allocation, there needs to be accurate tax assessments. Inaccuracies damage the public’s confidence and government’s ability to provide services.

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

There are always methods of operating more efficiently, and local government is no different; however, it must be approached with care so as not to lose the capacity to achieve the purpose. Encouraging agency participation in identifying more efficient procedures and applying technology to reduce operating costs would be an effective start.

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

Traffic congestion in the Baton Rouge area is a major concern for all residents. The proposed loop will not only assist in alleviating the city’s traffic flow, but will have an enormous economic impact. New legislation passed by state Legislature in 1997, 2001 and 2006 allow for the creation of toll authorities, and allow for new financing opportunities including public-private partnerships.

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?

With new residential and commercial developments, a new courthouse and a host of new eateries, downtown Baton Rouge is on the brink of a resurgence. The Downtown Development District encourages this vitality, and consideration should be given to creating an enhanced outdoor dining experience in that area that includes serving alcohol.

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

Currently, Metro Council members are elected from single-member districts, which I believe allow for greater diversity and representation. Even though single-member districts create a distinct constituency, it is not an exclusive one. The goal of the Metro Council as a whole is to work in unison for the improvement of the entire community.

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?

The goal of the “One Baton Rouge” resolution was to incorporate and embrace diversity in all of its forms. Embracing differences requires more than a resolution if it is to be meaningful. The city’s appreciation for diversity requires an evolution in thinking and must be shown at all levels including employment, contracting and not just in a document.

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?

Determining whether a dog’s temperament can be accurately predicted based upon its breed is an intensely debated issue. It is the behavior, and not the breed that needs to be controlled. I believe ordinances which clearly define prohibited dog behavior are probably a more practical approach than breed-specific legislation.

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

District 7 is an extremely diverse area, and increasing participation from all areas of the district is key. Three of our issues are to work to promote safer and cleaner neighborhoods, which include resident input into the sufficiency of existing traffic signs, working with residents to increase the security of their neighborhoods, and reducing blight; investing in economic development initiatives and goals that has a measurable impact on Baton Rouge and the region’s economic outlook, and working to enhance workforce training and development opportunities for residents and businesses.