Jim Benham, 70

Retired President of a company that manufactures Teflon products for the chemical industry

District 12

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

I would support a bond issue to fix infrastructure needs.

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

No.

Do you think parish property taxes are too high?

They are high enough. We live in a global market. We can price ourselves out of that market by raising taxes.

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

All businesses need to periodically review their operations. Baton Rouge government needs to do the same.

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

It’s absolutely essential to have a loop. I would do a toll road and a toll bridge south of the I-10 bridge.

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?

A [first question] – Just right.

B [second question] – No. I don’t want Baton Rouge to become another New Orleans.

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 would make sense to have one at-large who would then become the Mayor Pro-tem.

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?

No.

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?

The animal control ordinances have been revised within the past year to address this issue.

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

1 – Protect and preserve the unique neighborhoods of District 12.

2 – Represent the interests of District 12 over the interests of special groups.

3 – Help solve the traffic problems in the parish.