Wayne N. Messina, 62, Republican

Educator; Director of Security EBRPSO

District 4

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

I wish it would have been divided into two parts. I support the firemen and policemen. Economic times are hard now, and this $989 million package is going to be hard to pass. The people of Central will not support it as is.

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

No. The most important issue at this time is to improve the conditions for the citizens who live here now. Roads, sewage, garbage, safety.

Do you think parish property taxes are too high?

No. They should be used more wisely and conservatively.

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

I think the budget needs to be evaluated very closely. Where you find waste, you should work to eliminate it.

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

I believe there is a need for a loop. I also believe that what we have now—interstate, bridges (Amite?) etc.—might be enough. If private companies are going to profit, then they should pay along with the toll fees.

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?

No. I would not mind sidewalk patio drinking. The “Bar House” should not be extended. It should not expand to bars outside. If a patrol/ordinance was passed, then I would say yes to that.

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

Question: If you have at-large, who do you cut out? Zachary, Baker, Central? To add an “at-large” would mean to increase the total number on the Metro Council. I believe the council is big enough now.

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 not believe that the Metro Council should have to vote on this issue.

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?

I believe the dog ordinances that we have now address our needs. The people who misuse animals should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

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

1. Safety, police and fire.

2. Improve our sewage system (if we do not, we lose federal funding).

3. Traffic and infrastructure, as population increases we must address this.