Traffic top issue in council runoff

• By STEVEN WARD
• Advocate staff writer
• Published: Oct 29, 2008 - Page: 1B - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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The two District 11 Metro Council candidates battling in the Nov. 4 runoff said traffic and commercial development are issues of serious concern for area residents.

Alison Cascio, 29, said residents have expressed their concerns about safety on roads, largely because of speeding on neighborhood streets.

“Maybe we should look at reducing speed limits, improved signage and increased police patrols in the areas,” Cascio said.

Scott Lemoine, 39, said Jefferson Highway “is a mess” when it comes to traffic congestion and traffic light synchronization could curb some of the problem.

“We also need to push for more turn lanes and wider streets in certain areas,” Lemoine said.

Both Cascio and Lemoine also said they want to make sure all new commercial development in the district conforms with the character of nearby neighborhoods and does not lower residential property values.

District 11 is bordered to the east by South Sherwood Forest Boulevard and Pecue Lane, on the south by Interstate 10, to the west by South Foster Drive and to the north by Florida Boulevard.

Cascio and Lemoine, both Republicans, are trying to fill the council seat that David Boneno holds. Boneno decided not to seek another term.

Cascio led the Oct. 4 primary election with 3,852 votes, or 42 percent, while Lemoine came in second place with 2,944 votes, or 32 percent.

Cascio has racked up a load of endorsements in her run for the position including the support of Donald Hodge and Matt Watson, the two District 11 candidates defeated in the Oct. 4 primary.

Cascio has also been endorsed by Boneno, FuturePAC, the political action committee of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Baton Rouge Union of Police.

Lemoine has been endorsed by the Baton Rouge Fire Fighters Association and the East Baton Rouge Republican Party.

Lemoine said an important issue he wants to tackle is crime in the Goodwood, Tara and Cedarcrest areas of the district.