R.J. “Smokie” Bourgeois, 66, Republican

Small Business Owner

District 12

smokie08.com

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

This question keeps popping up with everyone I meet. I’m still learning about it and have not formed a hard opinion. I can only say it is a huge amount of $$ that will ultimately cost more than the stated figure. The best thing I know about it so far is that the people will get a chance to vote on it in the general election.

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

You must first have infrastructure and services in order to support bringing new business and attractions for tourists.

Do you think parish property taxes are too high?

As any taxpayer will tell you, we always consider taxes too high and spending too frivolous.

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

The last time I saw the line-item city budget in print, it was two inches thick. I think it is safe to say our government budget, like all government budgets, is too bloated. I intend to work very hard to find any ways I can to be more frugal with the taxpayers’ money.

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

I believe we are 40 years too late with the loop and it is not a viable project. A northern bypass on the EBR parish line is a lot more viable. I believe with federal funds and tolls it would be very feasible to build.

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 believe the city ordinances are about right. I don’t believe one group of taxpaying citizens should have preferential treatment over any other taxpaying group. We are all supposed to be equal under the law.

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

It is a very good idea and the way it used to be. But in the brave new world we live in, that idea that has gone the way of buggy whips and horse collars.

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?

This is a social issue and it’s hard to legislate people’s hearts. I personally believe in “live and let live.”

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?

We already have an ordinance that covers all breeds. It’s called the leash law. Wouldn’t it be nice if we strictly enforced it? My answer to that question is yes.

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

My No. 1 priority is to protect the homes and the property of the people and businesses of the district.

Next, I would work to bring a northern bypass to Baton Rouge to alleviate the stranglehold I-10 has on our city.

And thirdly, I would work to expedite the repairs to the sewer system to get the federal fines, which are paid by user fees, off our backs.