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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)