Ronnie Edwards, 56, Democrat

Community-based Development Organization administrator

District 5

RonnieEdwards.net

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

I support the bond issue, as approved by the sitting Metro Council members, going to the voters. My preference would have been health and safety, infrastructure, and hotel and entertainment packaging format rather than an all-or-nothing option. I also remain concerned about the drainage initiative not commencing for a full seven years out.

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

City government should focus on a strategic balance of bringing new businesses and attractions for tourists as well as building infrastructure and services for existing citizens who choose by design to live, work and play within the city limits of the capital of Louisiana.

Do you think parish property taxes are too high?

Parish property taxes continue to escalate for property owners who exceed the $75,000 homestead exemption. As such, it places an unfair share of the burden of paying for city services on less than a majority of the citizens benefiting from those services.

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

The parish budget has had the advantage of significant increases in sales taxes post-Katrina and Rita, which should have resulted in significant surpluses. Yet the surpluses apparently are insufficient to cover much-needed services and day-to-day operations for public safety, corrections and the general appearance and look of the city across the 12 districts.

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

This is the Capital City of the state and should represent progressive leadership. The need for a traffic loop around Baton Rouge is long overdue and obviously would produce significant economic development opportunities in the region. Multiple beltways should also be considered as a short-term, cost-effective alternative.

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?

The parish drinking ordinances should be tweaked to ensure that any downtown entertainment created or promoted does not take away from the “family-friendly” environment that needs to peacefully co-exist for all citizens.

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

In light of the apparent increase in population in the city of Baton Rouge, the 2010 Census ahead of us and re-apportionment discussions that will come before the Metro Council Class of 2009-2013, I would be more inclined to support two at-large seats being added to the current make-up of the Metro Council.

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?

Diversity issues should not favor one group of citizens over another. All residents should be treated equally, with the respect and dignity every human being deserves. Obviously this does not occur in reality and remains a challenge for the nation. Especially as it relates to race, gender, sex, familial status, religion, national origin and color. I am a proponent of “fairness, social and environmental justice” in every situation and circumstance.

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 grandmother of three small children and having canvassed various neighborhoods over the past few months, I have a personal/professional bias when it comes to this issue. I would therefore support and vote for any and all measures that would protect the public and promote personal responsibility on the part of the breed-specific dog owners.

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

1. Provide leadership in the development and implementation of a strategic economic development plan for the Airline Highway/Plank Road commercial corridor.

2. Intensify neighborhood improvement initiatives while ensuring current sales and property tax dollars bring visible and tangible city services to the residents of North Baton Rouge.

3. District 5 has perhaps the largest tracts of undeveloped land of all of the urban districts combined. I am an advocate for and promoter of smart growth.