Donald Hodge, 28, Democrat

Attorney, caseworker with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge

District 11

donaldhodge.com

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

Support. The infrastructure improvements, economic development and safety upgrades packaged in the issue are all essential for the area. Synchronized traffic lights, drainage improvements, bridge upgrades, downtown revitalization, a new parish prison and safety complex are investments necessary for the future of Baton Rouge.

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

The two are not mutually exclusive. Bringing new businesses and attractions will increase revenue for the city to provide for the infrastructure and service needs of the area. New business will bring needed jobs. Additional tourism will increase sales tax revenue and provide for investment in area businesses.

Do you think parish property taxes are too high?

Property taxes in our parish are comparable to that of other parishes. However, every tax should be examined to ensure it is necessary for the maintaining of services it provides and that the revenue is being spent in the most efficient manner possible to determine whether there can be cuts.

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

The budget has grown because of sales tax increases as well as fee increases in the wake of the 2005 hurricanes. All expenditures need to be examined to ensure they are necessary and being spent in an efficient and effective manner. Also, performance-based budgeting should be instituted for all departments.

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

The loop project is necessary to ease traffic congestion on I-10/12 and bring in additional business to the area. To fund this project, funds from the federal and state government should be expended because of the resources this region provides for not only the state, but the entire nation.

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?

All bars should be treated equally in the application of drinking ordinances. All ordinances should be evaluated to determine whether changes can be made to allow bars to conduct business that is both economically beneficial and safe for the community.

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

Yes. Many current councilpersons see their districts as fiefdoms under their own control with no view of the big picture. With at-large districts, at least some of the elected members of the council will have a holistic view and would perhaps encourage all councilpersons to have this view.

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?

Support. It is incumbent upon the council to encourage greater respect and acceptance of people for who they are. In order to stimulate economic development and create a welcoming environment for families, the metro council should address diversity 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?

Specific breeds should not be targeted through ordinances. Equal application and protection is necessary for animal control. There is a review process through the parish, which should be reformed to determine if pets on a case-by-case basis are a danger.

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

1. Stimulating economic growth is key for future development. Partnering with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber to expand current businesses as well as bring in new ones is essential.

2. Investing in infrastructure to ease traffic, improve drainage and provide for livable neighborhoods.

3. Mandating additional ethical requirements for metro councilpersons is essential. Furthermore, we must have transparency in all financial expenditures to ensure monies are being spent in the most efficient manner.