District 5 services key issue in runoff

• By STEVEN WARD
• Advocate staff writer
• Published: Oct 17, 2008 - Page: 1B - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Democrats Ronnie Edwards and Herbert A. Pate both said Thursday they are running for Metro Council District 5 because they want to make sure its residents get basic services.

Both Edwards, 56, and Pate, 63, said there are damaged streets and drainage problems the city-parish needs to repair.

“There are neglected basic services here, and we have got to be more responsive,” Edwards said.

Edwards said she wants to examine reports to see if government is responding to complaints filed.

Pate said drainage ditches in the district need to be cleaned and large potholes need to be eliminated by rebuilding the base of the road at the pothole instead of filling it with asphalt.

Edwards led the Oct. 4 primary election with 2,464 votes, or 33 percent, while second-place finisher Pate received 1,531 votes, or 21 percent.

Three challengers in the primary who failed to make the runoff have made endorsements.

Democrat Milton Lee, who garnered 1,397 votes, or 19 percent, has endorsed Edwards.

Democrat Thelma Ginn Brown, who received 1,477 votes, or 20 percent, endorsed Pate. Johnnie Brown, who has no party affiliation, received 563 votes, or 8 percent, and also endorsed Pate.

Edwards has also been endorsed by FuturePAC, the political action committee of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce.
District 5 is in north Baton Rouge centered mostly in the Glen Oaks area.

Current District 5 Councilman Charles Kelly could not seek reelection because of term limits.

Edwards also spoke Thursday of the need to create more economic development opportunities in the district.

“Economic development means more jobs, and you need jobs for the tax base, and you need the tax base to get the citizens services,” Edwards said.