GOP panel opposes tax plan

• By SCOTT DYER
• Advocate staff writer
• Published: Oct 25, 2008 - Page: 1B - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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The East Baton Rouge Parish Republican Executive Committee has unanimously voted to oppose Mayor Kip Holden’s proposed $989 million construction program.

To fund the program, Holden is asking voters on Nov. 4 to approve a half-cent sales tax and a 9.9-mill property tax for the 30 years.

“We feel like some of the projects are good, but others are not needed at this time,” committee Chairman Harold Williams said.

The proposal would build a new jail and juvenile justice center, a new law enforcement headquarters, and eight new fire stations. The mayor’s program would also synchronize more than 200 traffic signals, replace 38 dangerous bridges, expand the River Center and its parking and make improvements to every major drainage canal in the parish.

But the proposal also includes $247.5 million to build a riverfront attraction under a joint agreement with Audubon Nature Institute.

“I’m all for businesses moving into Baton Rouge, but I don’t think the taxpayers should have to pay for it,” Williams said.

Holden, a Democrat, said Audubon isn’t a business. Instead it’s a private, not-for-profit organization that has successfully managed attractions in New Orleans for years, he said.

Both the Audubon Zoo and the Aquarium of the Americas received construction funds from specially designated property taxes in New Orleans, Holden said.

“They don’t have the basic information, so they are spreading misinformation,” Holden said of the committee.

Holden said an economic study shows that Audubon’s proposed riverfront attraction will generate enough revenue to retire the 30-year bonds in 17 1/2 years.

Holden said he knows a number of Republicans who claim the local committee doesn’t represent them.

“It’s the same committee that backed Wayne Carter and Dan Kyle against me in the (mayor’s race) — and look what happened,” Holden said.

Holden won the election with 71 percent of the vote.