Sarah Holliday, 45, Democrat

District: 6

Master-level counselor

sholliday4dist6.com

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

Oppose this bond issue, too large, not focused on citizen services, and citizens not given opportunity for input prior to resolution being placed on the ballot. Voters would have preferred to selectively decide the components of this initiative. This is not the time to burden the taxpayers with such a plan. I have a problem with burdening taxpayers with the fun and games of the proposal. It is time that we stop confusing the quality of life with the standard of living. For example, garbage fees and sewer bills continue to get higher and higher; so why should we worry about developing downtown in such a manner. Senior citizens and those on fixed incomes are telling me that it is cheaper to die than to buy medicine, food, gasoline for their cars, insurance and they can’t afford to keep their lights on. NO MORE TAXES…SPEND OUR MONEY WISELY. We need budget accountability.

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

No, a prioritized approach is preferred. The mayor should focus on basic citizen services, and realized that we cannot do it all. The proposal reminds me of the school tax plan many years ago. While the objectives are desired, we simply cannot do this all at once on the backs of citizens, who cannot afford this massive issue. Tourist parts of the plan should have been eliminated and the public service department projects prioritized.

Do you think parish property taxes are too high?

Yes.

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

Yes, I plan to safeguard our taxpayer dollars through budget accountability. We need better city services. There is a need for more accountability in the budget of the city-parish government and I will make sure millions are not spent on unnecessary items.

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

Need additional information presented and long-term impact.

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?

Yes, comparable with other jurisdictions.

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

No, there are three cities in East Baton Rouge Parish. Two cities (Baker and Zachary) have their own governing administrators, councils and school boards and police protection. The unincorporated areas and the City of Baton Rouge are not provided with extra administrations and safety protections, such as police and courts, so I don’t believe we should elect at-large council members with the existing structure. Perhaps, we should have a full parish council if this is considered the way to go.

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?

It is our responsibility to make our communities better, do the right thing and lead by examples. We cannot control the choices people make but we can control ours. Toleration and acceptance of difference is no longer an option in this creative class world. Certain people and things have its place in society; however, society has always judged a person based on what and how they feel about cultures and experiences. As long as we separate organizations and clubs by a particular group and race of citizens, we will continue to experience division. I would like the input of the community before I make a decision on where to stand.

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?

Breed-specific ordinances are difficult to pass constitutional muster. Perhaps, consideration should be given to mandating insurance coverage for all owners, if the risk of harm to the public is greater with pit bulls.

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

My top three goals are to focus first on basic quality of life issues. I want everyone to be able to live in a descent neighborhood with sidewalks and proper lighting, safe from high crime area and bring volunteerism back to our community as well as partnering with existing agencies in the district. My community services to citizens cross socio-economic, racial, and political barriers. I plan to develop a resource and referral center in my office to help residents with daily issues and problems. My work experience in the criminal and drug court has afforded me a unique and valuable opportunity to deal with issues facing troubled youths and the need for public safety. The best way to reduce crime is through promoting education as a priority.

Secondly, to protect and provide citizen safety by increasing patrols in certain areas of town and build a strong relationship with first responders.

Thirdly, as councilwoman, I will have an open-door policy and hold meetings in district 6 as well as promote cooperation of citizens to work together to solve problems. I will foster civic engagement and substantive public dialogue on a quarterly basis regarding crime, intervention and prevention programs, emergency preparedness, transportation and education, as well as community issues.