Paul Brumfield, 53

Financial Consultant

District 7

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

I oppose the $989 million bond proposal as it will be presented to the voters in November. I support the police and fire department and all our public safety components. I believe the voters should have had the option to vote for public safety or economic development. Because the proposal requires an up or down vote, our public safety aspect may be defeated. Economic development is important; however, public safety should be our top priority.

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

I believe new businesses, attractions for tourist and building infrastructure and services are equally important. A city with good infrastructure and public services will be a good selling point to attract new businesses. Baton Rouge is lagging behind in its infrastructure compared to cities its size. We have a poor mass transit system, and our roads and bridges need repairs. These are the kinds of infrastructure improvements needed before we can expect businesses to consider locating here.

Do you think parish property taxes are too high?

The only thing I can speak on concerning property taxes is that the new tax assessor reviewed and made corrections to some of the property on the tax roll. The city budget and the parish tax are two items I will pay close attention to.

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

I believe with any budget there are some items that can be deleted. I know the city has a surplus of money from sales tax. Several weeks ago the city was able to negotiate a new deal with local riverboats. I would not say that the budget is too bloated, however. I think there some public services that are not sufficient funded. The new council should call a budget hearing immediately after taking office to determine the city spending priorities. If it determines the budget can be streamlined without affecting public services, I will support it.

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

With the traffic problems we are experiencing here in Baton Rouge, the loop project is an excellent idea. It will help reduce and reroute some of the traffic off the local streets. There have been a number of studies and meetings to get information from the public. With a project of this size there are a number of ways this project can be done. I believe it’s important that the majority of the public is on board. I support the federal government funding the project.

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 like the idea that bars can be open on Super Bowl Sunday. Since the downtown area is developing into an entertainment hub, there should be a special entertainment district created with extended bar hours, an open container law and sidewalk-patio drinking. I would support an ordinance to give the voters an opportunity to decide these on options for the rest of the parish. The new council should ask for a legal opinion from the parish attorney to determine whether downtown is receiving treatment.

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

Baton Rouge should continue operating the council with geographic district. In my opinion, the current form of government provides the best representative for all the people in parish.

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. I believe in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, age, sex or national origin. The Metro Council established policy for the city, the parish and the districts under its authority. The voters should decide whom they will accept and integrate with. This resolution should not fall under the council authority.

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?

As a council member I will support enforcing the laws we already have on the books. Also, I will consider supporting an ordinance that will keep our children safe from all aggressive dogs. Since I am not a dog expert, I will seek expert advice on this matter.

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

Will work tirelessly to make our community safe and continue the community policing concept. Create neighborhood watch programs. Expand programs for senior citizens how to protect themselves from crimes. Support traffic management and mass transit