Chandler Loupe, 45, Republican

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

As a practicing attorney in Baton Rouge for 18 years, and having visited the jail and juvenile facility, it is clear to me that Baton Rouge needs new facilities for both adults and minor criminals. The proposed bond does not separate this from other proposed projects, which as a taxpayer I would have preferred. Each individual voter will decide for themselves whether the other portions of the project are needed at this time. I personally do not believe the entire project should be put to the voters, and as such, I will not personally support it.

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

I do not believe you can separate the two. To attract new businesses to locate to our city, the city must be appealing to both residents and tourists alike. Traffic infrastructure and city services would play a vital role in attracting both. City government should focus on both, but to do so must have infrastructure and services in place to meet our growing population. I do not believe we have those aspects in place. Traffic, crime, drainage and other infrastructure issues must be corrected.

Do you think parish property taxes are too high?

I believe compared to other states, our property taxes have been historically low. However we do have additional fees each homeowner pays in addition to property taxes, and a sales tax that exceeds other states in comparison. So overall our property taxes are not high, however our tax burden, and fee burden when combined are high in comparison to other cities. I do not support additional taxes and or fees at this time.

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

I am not familiar with every aspect of the budget, to give an opinion either way. It is my understanding that the budget currently has a surplus, although the amount is not clear to me, or for that matter other current members of the Metro Council. If so, any surplus should be used to improve our infrastructure, and or returned to the taxpayers in the form of a refund, or a reduction of fees.

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

I do not believe the traffic problems in our city or on our highways can be solved without a loop. We are one of the only major cities in our state, and perhaps in the country, that does not have a loop, or some bypass route. There appear to be many ways to pay for the project, including federal matching funds and tolls.

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 think the current ordinances are too loose. Having visited other cities such as Memphis, Austin, San Antonio and Pensacola, a downtown development entertainment district would need to have some exception to the open container or sidewalk patio drinking ordinances. Businesses would, as in the other cities mentioned, need this restriction relaxed, to encourage the development of such a district. I would also consider how this would affect other businesses that are not given this opportunity.

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, an at-large council member would benefit the independence of the Metro Council, and prevent any one member or members from dominating the vote on the council and encourage the debate of the issues.

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?

None of the issues I believe need to be addressed will not be solved unless we work together as One Baton Rouge. I support the resolution.

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?

No answer.

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

– Improve traffic, and infrastructure changes to District 3 and the city as a whole. This would include road improvements, drainage improvements and recreational improvements, including bike paths and walking paths.

– Address crime in the Gardere area with the use of technology, including the installation of cameras, to discourage crime. Chief LeDuff is already implementing this type of surveillance, and I would encourage our sheriff, who I believe to be making Gardere a priority of his law enforcement, to adopt such a plan.

– Overall improve the quality of life in District 3 by improving the two perceived problems above, and to also encourage the use of green energy, including solar power. It is also obviously clear to all that the infrastructure issues involving electrical service in our district and our city are not acceptable, and will work with Entergy and Demco to solve this issue.