Holden backs Handy in District 2 runoff

• By STEVEN WARD
• Advocate staff writer
• Published: Oct 16, 2008 - Page: 1B - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Although incumbent District 2 Metro Councilman Ulysses “Bones” Addison won the most votes in the Oct. 4 primary, his runoff challenger has two endorsements that could put the second-place candidate in strong contention for the winner’s circle Nov. 4.

Democrat Gerald Handy has been endorsed by Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden, who lives in District 2, and the defeated candidate in the District 2 race, Democrat Melanie Smith-Johnson.

Addison, a Democrat who is seeking his third and final term on the Metro Council, led the primary with 3,567 votes, or 45 percent of the vote. Handy came in second with 2,781 votes, or 35 percent.

Smith-Johnson, whose votes are possibly in play for Handy as a result of her endorsement, garnered 1,554 votes, or 20 percent of the vote in the north Baton Rouge district.

“People should vote for me because I’m a people person,” Handy, 60, said Wednesday.

“I get out there in the field and people have easy access to me. People will be able to get in touch with me,” Handy said.

Addison, 47, said people should vote for him because of his years of experience on the council.

“I know the issues. I know the people you have to deal with on the issues. I won’t have to start from scratch on day one,” Addison said.

Also on Nov. 4, seven other council runoffs will be decided. On Oct. 4, one of Holden’s supporters on the council, District 8 Councilman Mike Walker, a Republican, was re-elected with 70 percent of the vote. Besides Addison, incumbent District 6 Councilwoman Martha Jane Tassin is in a runoff with a political newcomer.

Handy said crime is a big issue in District 2 and he wants to talk to the East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff and the Baton Rouge police chief about increased police patrols in certain parts of the district, especially in the wee hours of the morning.

Handy said he has talked to Holden about possibly securing money for surveillance cameras to place in the district as a crime deterrent.

Addison has said he has worked hard to get a new police precinct built in the district — the 4th police district — which is under construction.

Handy said he wants to create a program for teenagers similar to midnight basketball, which will get them off the streets during those hours and could help curb crime.