August 17, 2012
August 14, 2012
COUNCILWOMAN RONNIE EDWARDS ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR RE-ELECTION TO THE EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH METRO COUNCIL DISTRICT 5 SEAT
Baton Rouge – East Baton Rouge Parish Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards announced Friday she is running for re-election to a second term as Baton Rouge Metro Councilwoman representing District 5.
Edwards said, “I am looking forward to building on the major accomplishments of my first term of service." Among her accomplishments, she cites the increase of civic participation in District 5, as well as over $150M invested in new housing construction, $187M in dedicated street, bridge, sewer improvements and infrastructure repairs. In addition, Councilwoman Edwards points to improvement in blight removal, more workforce development and employment training opportunities for the community and a strong focus on public safety.
During her first term Councilwoman Edwards sponsored and passed a number of ordinances and resolutions that positively impact the quality of life for EBR Parish residents. They include: Amending Title 8 of building regulations to add Chapter 9 on Housing Discrimination; Ordinance 14937 to provide for improvements in Maintenance of Property for Unoccupied Structures; Ordinance 14972 to amend and strengthen Anti-Litter Regulations and Increase Civil Penalties; Resolution 48064 to establish and publish a Database of Information of various City-Parish Boards and Commissions to be used to appoint members. Edwards was also a co-sponsor of the Fair Share Policy to work in conjunction with the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise programs for state and federally funded projects to enhance and diversify economic development within the City Parish.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the community to pursue greater improvements in infrastructure and neighborhood revitalization, basic services and smart growth initiatives, economic and small business development. I desire my public service legacy to be one that is purposeful and promotes all of our citizens fairing well,” Edwards stated.
Councilwoman Edwards is currently Special Projects Manager at Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation (UREC) Chairs the Finance and Executive Committee of the Council and has served as a member of the Capital Improvements Committee. She is a strong advocate for civic participation and has served on numerous nonprofit and public boards and commissions including: Greenwell Springs Airline Economic Development District and Lighthouse for the Blind. She was recently elected to the Democratic Party Parish Executive Committee and a three year term on the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged Property Management Boards.
A 1998 graduate of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Leadership Greater Baton Rouge Program, Councilwoman Edwards was selected in 2010 by the Children’s Defense Fund as a “Beat the Odds” Champion for Children honoree. In 2011, she received both the State and Regional Public Defender Award from the LA Housing Council and the Regional Chapter of the National Association of Redevelopment Officials.
Edwards holds a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, is a licensed realtor and certified apartment manager. Married 41 years, mother of two and grandmother of three.
To contact Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards, write to P. O. Box 73018, Baton Rouge, LA 70874.3018, call 225.356.2319 or email: RonnieEdwards05@gmail.com. Visit our 2012 blog at: http://www.ronnieedwards05.blogspot.com/ .
July 21, 2008
July 11, 2008
The Issues Concerning District 5...
On Transportation:
Will you support the concept of a “loop” around the Baton Rouge area on a scale of 1-10?
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.
Will you support the prioritization and continued execution of the Green Light Plan to accelerate congestion relief?
Post Katrina, simple modifications and configuration of the traffic flow on Airline Highway created less congestion and credible improvements. This initiative should proceed with all deliberate speed.
Will you authorize strategic adjustments of CATS to improve efficiency and services to the public?
CATS’ systems of operations are antiquated and require major overhaul. Speaking as a service provider and community development practitioner, we must replicate models that work and are designed to be 21st century competitive. This must begin with leadership at the top.
On the City-Parish Infrastructure:
Will you support balloting a bond issue to address infrastructure needs and other capital improvements to ensure capacity for business recruitment and economic growth?
Insufficient information is provided and more details are required to respond to this proposal. In addition, more credible evidence is needed that all parts of the Parish are benefiting from such an initiative.
Will you publicly and actively support the bond issue put before East Baton Rouge voters?
Undecided – Have no additional comment.
On Economic Incentives:
Will you support continuing the partnership between the Metro Council and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber to promote economic development?
I represent a predominately North Baton Rouge constituency who feel disenfranchised and disconnected from the main stream and many of BRAC’s priorities. There is great opportunity for the next Council member to give voice to their concerns and work to alleviate the disparities. As a 1998 Greater Baton Rouge Leadership alumna and have been a member of the Chamber for over a decade, I look forward to these conversations taking place.
Will you approve local incentives such as enterprise zones for business development projects that demonstrate a positive return on investment?
Yes! This is a no brainer.
Will you support the concept and the establishment of a “deal-closing fund” for East Baton Rouge parish to improve local competitiveness on key business development opportunities?
Many view these deals as corporate welfare. Support would be much more palatable if balanced with an equally strong leadership position by BRAC as it relates to helping all citizens gain access to assets and opportunities in ultimately removing LA from the “F” category published in the recent cfed.org Scorecard published nationwide.
Will you support the aggressive pursuit of incentives to attract low-cost carriers to the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport?
This has universal appeal and benefit! As a member of the Baton Rouge Metro Airport Commission, I support this proposal 100%!
Will you work to ensure the parish has a positive business climate?
Absolutely! It is in our best interest to have a thriving economy that creates opportunity while ensuring the environmental health and safety of our citizens.
Smart Growth? You’ve probably heard the term, Smart Growth. For brief clarification, Smart Growth is defined as investing resources, not just money, but time and attention in restoring community and improving the quality of the neighborhoods where we live. Smart Growth is centered in creating places for people, walkable neighborhoods with a mix of commercial/retail properties and different housing choices, providing multiple transportation options, encouraging collaboration among the community and investors, and preserving our natural assets.
District 5 has large tracts of undeveloped land – Prime spaces for demonstration (mixed use) projects. Typically, no one that truly understands smart growth objects. Although NIMBY attitudes have surfaced more intensely in these type of developments across the Parish.
Will you support Progressive Regional Initiatives (Mass Transit, Wastewater and Water Infrastructure, Roads and Highways, Commercial & Industrial, Land Regulations & Planning & Zoning)
Baton Rouge has an awesome opportunity to be a catalyst for building a progressive region. I support this commitment without reservation!
Will you support the concept of a “loop” around the Baton Rouge area on a scale of 1-10?
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.
Will you support the prioritization and continued execution of the Green Light Plan to accelerate congestion relief?
Post Katrina, simple modifications and configuration of the traffic flow on Airline Highway created less congestion and credible improvements. This initiative should proceed with all deliberate speed.
Will you authorize strategic adjustments of CATS to improve efficiency and services to the public?
CATS’ systems of operations are antiquated and require major overhaul. Speaking as a service provider and community development practitioner, we must replicate models that work and are designed to be 21st century competitive. This must begin with leadership at the top.
On the City-Parish Infrastructure:
Will you support balloting a bond issue to address infrastructure needs and other capital improvements to ensure capacity for business recruitment and economic growth?
Insufficient information is provided and more details are required to respond to this proposal. In addition, more credible evidence is needed that all parts of the Parish are benefiting from such an initiative.
Will you publicly and actively support the bond issue put before East Baton Rouge voters?
Undecided – Have no additional comment.
On Economic Incentives:
Will you support continuing the partnership between the Metro Council and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber to promote economic development?
I represent a predominately North Baton Rouge constituency who feel disenfranchised and disconnected from the main stream and many of BRAC’s priorities. There is great opportunity for the next Council member to give voice to their concerns and work to alleviate the disparities. As a 1998 Greater Baton Rouge Leadership alumna and have been a member of the Chamber for over a decade, I look forward to these conversations taking place.
Will you approve local incentives such as enterprise zones for business development projects that demonstrate a positive return on investment?
Yes! This is a no brainer.
Will you support the concept and the establishment of a “deal-closing fund” for East Baton Rouge parish to improve local competitiveness on key business development opportunities?
Many view these deals as corporate welfare. Support would be much more palatable if balanced with an equally strong leadership position by BRAC as it relates to helping all citizens gain access to assets and opportunities in ultimately removing LA from the “F” category published in the recent cfed.org Scorecard published nationwide.
Will you support the aggressive pursuit of incentives to attract low-cost carriers to the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport?
This has universal appeal and benefit! As a member of the Baton Rouge Metro Airport Commission, I support this proposal 100%!
Will you work to ensure the parish has a positive business climate?
Absolutely! It is in our best interest to have a thriving economy that creates opportunity while ensuring the environmental health and safety of our citizens.
Smart Growth? You’ve probably heard the term, Smart Growth. For brief clarification, Smart Growth is defined as investing resources, not just money, but time and attention in restoring community and improving the quality of the neighborhoods where we live. Smart Growth is centered in creating places for people, walkable neighborhoods with a mix of commercial/retail properties and different housing choices, providing multiple transportation options, encouraging collaboration among the community and investors, and preserving our natural assets.
District 5 has large tracts of undeveloped land – Prime spaces for demonstration (mixed use) projects. Typically, no one that truly understands smart growth objects. Although NIMBY attitudes have surfaced more intensely in these type of developments across the Parish.
Will you support Progressive Regional Initiatives (Mass Transit, Wastewater and Water Infrastructure, Roads and Highways, Commercial & Industrial, Land Regulations & Planning & Zoning)
Baton Rouge has an awesome opportunity to be a catalyst for building a progressive region. I support this commitment without reservation!
July 2, 2008
Letter to Friends, Family, Colleagues & Community Partners...
I, Ronnie Edwards, am a candidate for the Baton Rouge Metro Council District 5 seat scheduled for the October 4th primary election. My decision to run was inspired by the unprecedented number of seats expected to become vacant on the Metro Council this Fall. I desire to take my community service to the next level by ensuring sincere, strong and results oriented representation on behalf of District 5 citizens and the broader Baton Rouge community.
Community service has been my life’s work for well over 37 years. I have a proven track record of working on behalf of others and am passionate concerning neighborhood improvement, equitable distribution of resources for affordable housing and small business development. The decisions that Council members are making today will have a direct impact on the quality of life we enjoy tomorrow. That legacy must be one that is purposeful and promotes all of our citizens fairing well – Especially our youth.
While the East Baton Rouge Parish Plan of Government charges the Council primarily with the responsibility for setting policy, passing new legislation, ensuring the efficient and effective use of our tax dollars, approving representation on various boards and commissions, planning and zoning matters are equally as important. During my tenure nearly twenty years ago as former Councilwoman Sharon Weston’s aide, and even as I canvass the District and meet with stakeholders in 2008, I realize that basic services will always be an issue whether it involves streets, drainage, trash collection, traffic, public transit, workforce development and/or crime.
I see the potential in District 5 and bring a fresh perspective to responding to these concerns. As I pursue intensifying my civic engagement through public service, I solicit your support – every amount is important from $25 to $2500. Feel free to email me at ronnieedwards05@gmail.com or visit www.RonnieEdwards05.blogspot.com. I’d love to speak with you before or after qualifying on July 9th and can be reached also at 225.819.6546.
Taking Community Service to the Next Level!
Ronnie Edwards
Candidate, Metro Council
District 5
Candidate, Metro Council
District 5
Ronnie Edwards Announces Her Candidacy...
Baton Rouge - Ronnie Edwards is the founding executive director of Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation (UREC). She has substantial experience in business and industry, the public sector and community development, including 12 years with Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation as Regional Personnel Administrator. Since 1992, Edwards has been responsible for UREC’s efforts to rebuild neighborhoods, focus on affordable housing, offer education, training, social and economic development to the citizens of the Capital Region. Prior to her tenure with UREC, Edwards served as Council Administrative Aide and made further contributions in both state and parish government. She has worked extensively with the academic community, local media and various faith based initiatives. A 1998 alumna of the Chamber’s Leadership Program, Mrs. Edwards holds a B.S. in Business Management from UOP with further studies at both Southern and LSU. She is a graduate of the Baton Rouge Police Department’s Citizens Academy and YWCA Dialogue on Race, a licensed realtor and certified apartment manager.
She has many years of community service on various boards and commissions provides a fresh perspective and skillful leveraging of community partnerships, alliances and collaborative initiatives on behalf of the community. “My decision to run was inspired by the unprecedented number of seats expected to become vacant on the Metro Council this fall. I desire to take my community service to the next level by ensuring sincere, strong and results oriented representation on behalf of District 5 citizens and the broader Baton Rouge community. I look forward to providing leadership in the creation and implementation of a master plan for the AirlineHighway/Plank Road Commercial Corridor, promoting Smart Growth in the undeveloped areas of our District and ensuring that citizens see and experience visible evidence of their sales and property taxes at work.”
Community service has been Edwards’ life work for well over 37 years. She has a track record of working on behalf of others and is concerned about issues related to neighborhood improvement, affordable housing, economic development and equitable distribution of resources for North Baton Rouge. According to Mrs. Edwards, “The decisions that Council members are making today will have a direct bearing on the quality of life we enjoy tomorrow – That legacy must be one that is purposeful and promotes all of our citizens fairing well. As I meet with stakeholders and canvass the District, I realize that basic services will always be an issue whether it involves streets, drainage, trash collection, traffic, public transit, workforce development and/or crime. I see the potential in District 5 and bring a fresh perspective to advocating for, responding to and developing policy regarding these concerns.”
In addition to her community service, Edwards volunteers as Executive Vice President of the Baton Rouge Apartment Association, serves on the board of the LA Association of Nonprofit Organizations, is Secretary of the LA Housing Alliance, Collaborative and Greater Baton Rouge Community Housing & Economic Development Coalition. Mrs. Edwards is the newly appointed Advocacy Committee Chair of EBRP Long Term Recovery Committee, is a member of the Baton Rouge Metro Airport Commission and former member of the EBRP Planning & Zoning Commission.
Under Edwards’s leadership, her agency received honorary awards from EFA as a Trailblazer, the 2004 NAACP award for Outstanding Community Services and was recognized in 2005 by LANO’s Gold Seal of Approval for its “Standards for Excellence” certification. Mrs. Edwards received the LA Role Model Award from the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Links, Inc. in 2007.
Married for 37 years to Oliver G. Edwards, Sr., she is the mother of two and grandmother of three. A member of Life Changers Christian Center for 27 years and New Pilgrim Baptist Church for 10 years.
To contact the Ronnie Edwards for Baton Rouge Metro Council Campaign, write to P. O. Box 73018, Baton Rouge, LA 70874, call 225.819.6546 or email: RonnieEdwards05@gmail.com. To participate in the campaign, visit RonnieEdwards05.blogspot.com.
June 6, 2008
Campaign Itinerary...
May 19, 2008, Working Interfaith Network's Community Meeting with Sheriff Gautreaux
June 3, 2008, 2008 Entergy Regional LA Low Income Economic Development Summit
June 6, 2008, Fellowship Tabernacle, Destiny Dreamers
June 7, 2008, Grits, Catfish & Politics
June 13, 2008, Neighborhood Canvassing, Mickens Place Subdivision
June 27, 2008, Interview with BRAC
June 13, 2008, Meeting with Jaguar Journal Host
June 14, 2008, Flag Day Celebration – District 29 and CADAV’s 72nd Street Juneteeth Day
June 16, 2008, Social Enterprise Group Announcement*
June 17, 2008, Mandela School of Public Policy Panel
June 21, 2008, New Pilgrim Baptist Church, Class Democractic Party Fundraiser
June 22, 2008, Old Antioch Full Gospel BC Service
June 25, 2008, EBRP LTRC Committee Announcement*
June 29, 2008, Living Faith Friend & Family Day
July 1, 2008, Baton Rouge Business Report
July 2, 2008, Chairman of BREC, BR Metro Airport Commission Meeting
July 3, 2008, Senator Broome’s Legislative Briefing
July 9, 2008, Meeting with Association of Builders & Conractors
July 11-12, 2008, Open Door Fellowship's Women of Distinction 10th Annual Conference
July 21, 2008, Crown Citywide Advisory Team & Planning & Zoning Commission Meetings
July 22, 2008, LHC Community & Revitalization Committee, CADAV/Scotlandville CDC Meetings & Board of Adjustment Meetings
July 23, 2008, Metro Council Public Hearing on Bond Issue & GBR Central Labor Council Meetings
July 24, 2008, Evaluative & Development Services
July 27, 2008, Campaign Birthday Fundraiser @ Hilton Garden Inn
July 28, 2008, Cajun Contractors Meeting
July 29, 2008, Zion City Revitalization Project Meeting & Ford Street Neighborhood Canvassing
August 6, 2008, Capitol City Family Health Center Grand Opening
August 7, 2008, GBR Association of Realtors PAC & Cedar Pointe Mickens Road Partners for Progress Raising the Wall Ceremony
August 8, 2008, Working Interfaith Network Candidate's Research Committee
August 9, 2008, Pennington Hot Air Balloon Competitions
August 11, 2008, Beauticians for Ronnie Fundraiser @ Vincent's Cafe
August 12, 2008, Growth Coalition (change from August 28th)
August 13, 2008, Business Network International
August 14, 2008, Smart Growth Summit & Forest Heights Park Neighborhood Canvassing
August 15, 2008, 11th Annual Women's Confererence Fellowship Tabernacle
August 13, 2008, Business Network International
August 14, 2008, Smart Growth Summit & Forest Heights Park Neighborhood Canvassing
August 15, 2008, 11th Annual Women's Confererence Fellowship Tabernacle
August 16, 2008, Baton Rouge Metro Airport 60th Anniversary Celebration, Neighborhood Canvassing Zion City
August 18, 2008, Neighborhood Canvassing Forest Heights Park
August 17, 2008, Senate District 15 Back to School Expo & BR Metro Airport 60th Anniversary
August 20, 2008, Neighborhood Canvassing Forest Heights
August 21, 2008, Yes We Can! & EBRP School Board, Neighborhood Canvassing West Merrydale
August 22, 2008, Annual NAACP Freedom Banquet
August 21, 2008, Yes We Can! & EBRP School Board, Neighborhood Canvassing West Merrydale
August 22, 2008, Annual NAACP Freedom Banquet
August 23, 2008, American Majority Candidate Training Seminar, Neighborhood Canvassing Glen Oaks
August 24, 2008, Greater Emmanuel MBC Men's Day & New Pilgrim BC Male Chorus Anniversary
August 25, 2008, District Prayer Breakfast
August 26, 2008, American Planning Association Candidate's Forum
August 28, 2008, Growth Coalition & Association of College Women Meetings
September 4, 2008, WIN's District 5 Candidates Forum
September 5, 2008, Multifamily Industry Fundraiser
September 8, 2008, EBRP Fire Fighters Union
September 16, 2008, BR Black Chamber Metro Council Candidates Forum
October 4, 2008, Get Out the Vote!
About Ronnie...
EXPERIENCE
Founding Executive Director of
Urban Restoration Enhancement Corp. (UREC) for 15 years
Former Regional Personnel Administrator,
Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp for 12 years
Diverse Experience in State & Parish Government
Extensive Work & Volunteer History with Small Businesses,
the Academic Community, Local Media & Various Faith Based Initiatives
1998 Alumni of the Chamber of Commerce’s
Leadership Program
Alumni of Baton Rouge Police Department's Citizens Academy
Alumni of YWCA Dialogue on Race
Founding member of the
Mickens Road Property Owners Association, Inc.
Licensed Realtor & Certified Apartment Manager
BOARD SERVICE
Executive Vice President of
Baton Rouge Apartment Association
LA Association of Nonprofit Organizations
LA Housing Alliance & Collaborative
Greater Baton Rouge Housing Community & Economic
Development Coalition
EBRP Long Term Recovery Committee
Baton Rouge Metro Airport Commission
Former Member EBRP Planning & Zoning Commission
Baton Rouge Apartment Association
LA Association of Nonprofit Organizations
LA Housing Alliance & Collaborative
Greater Baton Rouge Housing Community & Economic
Development Coalition
EBRP Long Term Recovery Committee
Baton Rouge Metro Airport Commission
Former Member EBRP Planning & Zoning Commission
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Recipient of Baton Rouge Chapter of The Links, Inc.
LA Role Models Award
NAACP Outstanding Community Service Award
Recipient of LANO Standards For Excellence Award
Recipient of EFA’s Trailblazer Award
Recipient of EFA’s Trailblazer Award
EDUCATION
B. S. Business Management, University of Phoenix
Further Study at both Southern & LSU
Licensed Realtor & Certified Apartment Manager
PERSONAL
Married 37 Years to Oliver G. Edwards, Sr.
Mother of two and Grandmother of three
Member of Life Changers Christian Center for 27 years
Member of New Pilgrim Baptist Church for 10 years
Ronnie Edwards Campaign Contact Information
RONNIE EDWARDS
FOR METRO COUNCIL
P. O. Box 73018
FOR METRO COUNCIL
P. O. Box 73018
Baton Rouge, LA 70874
225-819-6546
Email: ronnieedwards05@gmail.com
Website: RonnieEdwards05.blogspot.com
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