Andrew Danna, 25, Independent

Class A PGA golf professional

District 7

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

The $989 million dollar bond proposal has the potential to both update aging and vital infrastructure as well as generate new economic growth for our city. There are two parts of the bond proposal: public safety and protection of property, and the drainage improvement, which I believe we need desperately. Both efforts are needed, but taxpayers must decide if they are wiling to foot the bill for both efforts simultaneously.

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

I believe that as a growing city, we must focus on bringing new businesses and visitors to the Capital Region, but in order for Baton Rouge to sustain these improvements, necessary infrastructure and services must be provided. It’s not an either/or proposition, but a question of how they coincide together.

Do you think parish property taxes are too high?

The parish property taxes need to be examined at a fundamental level, and we must determine their true effect on residents. With the post-Katrina boom leveling off in conjunction with the current mortgage crisis, we are a crossroads and must determine if current property rates are too prohibitive in prompting and achieving smart growth as we move into the future.

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

The parish budget needs to be looked at from more of a business standpoint. I feel like the constituents of the parish need more transparency on where their money is being spent and why. I also feel strongly that city-parish officials need to be held accountable for their reasons on why they spend money on certain projects. The budget management process I explain in my platform takes a more business-like approach, and this will help the city spend its money more effectively and efficiently.

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

The Baton Rouge loop concept is a great idea for those who live or work in the Baton Rouge area as it will provide a considerable amount of traffic relief during peak hours. However, I believe that further funding of this project should be shifted from the city-parish to the state or federal level given Baton Rouge’s emerging role in the commerce of both the state and 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?

This question has been raised for quite some time now, and I feel like as a city if we were to undertake new parish drinking ordinances more studies and detailed information and statistics would be necessary to fully answer this question as it is considered in the best interests of all the constituents of the parish.

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

A few at-large council members could be a good idea as long as they act in a manner that is in the best interest of the parish overall, although I feel it is every council member’s duty to act in the same manner at some level.

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 support the One Baton Rouge resolution for many reasons, in particular “it provides a strong commitment to diversity and equal opportunity for all of our citizens.” Even though the vote did not pass, it was not turned down by “no” votes. With this being said, I will support this resolution in the future and see it as a gesture that serves to unify our community and better enable us to grow as one.

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 am deeply saddened every time I hear of an incident involving an animal attacking a human. However, I am not convinced at this time that breed-specific bans are the most effective ways to combat this problem. It is imperative that we work within the community in order to prevent these attacks from taking place in the future.

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

My top three goals in no specific order would all focus on EBR’s ability to encourage and sustain smart growth. It is necessary that our city grow economically, with less crime, and better roads in a smart way. We’d need to take a better look at the city’s budget and decide in a more efficient and effective manner where the money is going, and why it is going there. It is also imperative that as a council we develop more initiatives to work with local communities to promote awareness so we can bring our city’s crime rate down, and provide a better plan of action to repair and make our roads safer with less traffic. Finally, as a council member, I will bring to the table a smart and aggressive, work-hard attitude that will able our city to grow in the right direction for the future.