Tara Wicker, 38, Democrat

Consultant, healthy lifestyle coach

District 10

tarawicker.com

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

I believe that any plan that stimulates growth and boosts the economy of our city is needed. The proposal seems to have viable options for revenue generation and tourist attractions. As a former member of the CVB, I know and believe that tourism, conventions, business and infrastructure have an important impact and play a vital role in economic growth and stability of a city.

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

I don’t think the two are mutually exclusive. We must have infrastructure to support the phenomenal growth we already have, as well as prepare for the future. Also, whenever we have an opportunity to recruit industry/business to our parish, we need to do it. I will support growth initiatives if they are based on accurate research and sound reasoning.

Do you think parish property taxes are too high?

Frankly, I believe we’re all going to have to work together to ensure that we have the quality of life in our city-parish that we’ve been wanting for decades. If we are the recipients of quality services, we should also share in the expense if the government entities spending these tax dollars are offering a quality product. If I am elected District 10 councilwoman, I will be very active in making sure everything I have influence over will be done with excellence.

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

As a former member of the Mayor’s Commission on Revenues and Expenditures (MCORE) I had the opportunity to see how city-parish departments operate their budgets and utilize manpower. Often there simply was not enough to go around. I have confidence in the staff, administration and council to provide a prudent and efficient budget. However, I also believe that we must continuously look for opportunities to save money and streamline the budget.

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

The loop project is needed and should have been done a long time ago. Tolls are the way to go in providing revenue sources for better roads and infrastructure. Drive in any other major city in the United States and people are willing to pay for safe, alternate routes. Many of the drivers using the loop will be non-East Baton Rouge residents and will pay just to avoid the incredible gridlock Baton Rouge is famous for.

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?

Baton Rouge has a unique and special character and is respected as a great place to live and raise kids. We have done a great job in maintaining balance where people young and old feel welcomed. I like the idea of a “classy” entertainment district that maintains a family-friendly environment with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues that are opened after 5 p.m. and on the weekends.

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

More consideration should be given regarding the purpose this structure would serve. The question is do we think an at-large councilman would be more of a statesman than someone representing a district? The caution and need would be to create strategies that eliminate the opportunity of those seats being courted by special interests, which would eliminate any positive outcome from this kind of structure.

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 do stand for democracy and if it fell short one vote, then I believe that the people have spoken. Obviously, as a resolution it was a symbolic gesture, versus a legislative action. I believe in enforcing the laws protecting diversity that are currently on the books, rather than developing resolutions that may cause confusion and uncertainty throughout the city.

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?

If the ordinances were about controlling violent animals, I would vote for them.

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

1. Work to create a livable, family-friendly community, with quality housing, sidewalks, streets and playgrounds.

2. Increase police protection in each community of District 10.

3. Fight for the needs of the elderly, handicapped and poor.