Race may be issue in council vote

• By SCOTT DYER
• Advocate staff writer
• Published: Apr 6, 2008 - Page: 1B - UPDATED: 04.06.08

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A recent influx of black residents in Metro Councilwoman Martha Jane Tassin’s district could complicate her re-election bid this fall.
When Tassin — a white Republican — was re-elected in 2004, black voters outnumbered white voters by about 500. Today, voter registration records show that there are some 3,530 more black voters than white voters in District 6.

Some black leaders such as Councilman Ulysses “Bones” Addison are already targeting Tassin, claiming her district should be represented by an African-American.

“It’s nothing personal against Mrs. Tassin, she’s a fine lady. But that seat should be held by a person of color to help create more balance on the council,” Addison said.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that in 2006, African Americans accounted for about 46 percent of East Baton Rouge Parish’s total population.

But Addison noted that blacks hold four council seats, or 33 percent of the total 12. Electing a fifth black council member would bring that percentage up to about 42 percent, which is still less than the black population parishwide.

Despite the debate over race, Tassin remains bullish about her chances of winning another term.

“Race wasn’t a factor in the last race. I would hope that we’re past that,” Tassin said.

Tassin handily beat two black opponents in the 2004 primary, capturing 52 percent of the votes cast.

Addison said many of Tassin’s council votes aren’t in the best interests of the African Americans in her district.
“A lot of the votes that she has made weren’t in the best interests of the people I represent or people who look like me,” Addison said, noting that his district is 87 percent black.

Tassin is also drawing support from some black leaders, including Mayor-President Kip Holden.

“Martha Jane is colorblind — she’s out to help people whenever she can,” Holden said.

Holden noted that Tassin has consistently supported his initiatives and has worked for the well-being of the entire parish as well as her district.

“Her district didn’t have many road projects in the Green Light Plan, but she supported it because she realized that the program would benefit the entire parish,” Holden said.