Running for Office: Metro Council Dist. 2

Bringing jobs and businesses to Metro Council District 2 are a priority for the next four years, Leroy Davis, a candidate for the seat in the Nov. 6 election, said in a written statement.

The candidate who wins the seat must be willing to put the residents of District 2 first when making decisions, Davis said.

Davis, a Democrat, faces seven opponents for the open seat being vacated by Ulysses “Bones” Addison, who is term limited. The other candidates are: Corey B. Alfred, Chauna Banks-Daniel, Steven Cook, Hillery Johnson, Joseph Plummer, Edward Roberts and James Slaughter, Jr. All are Democrats.

Metro Council District 2 is a north Baton Rouge district roughly bordered by Heck Young Drive, Harding Boulevard, Lavey Lane and Pettit Road in the north, Pettit Road, Foster Drive and Plank Road in the east, Airline Highway in the south, and Scenic Highway and the Baton Rouge Barge Canal in the west.

Davis, who holds a doctoral degree in agricultural economics from the University of Illinois, said his experience as a college professor and administrator prepared him for public service.

In addition, Davis served nine years as a Baker city councilman and 3½ years as the mayor of Baker. He said he also served 11 years on the Democratic Executive Committee, representing District 2.

He has been involved with numerous community groups and public bodies, including the Istrouma Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Baker Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, the Baker High Advisory Committee and the Bakerfield Elementary School Advisory Committee.

The U.S. Army veteran is a member of Early Risers Kiwanis, Greater Mount Carmel Baptist Church, American Legion Post 502 and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

He is married to Elaine Griffin Davis, who is a member of the City of Baker School Board. The couple has two sons and four grandchildren.

If no one candidate gets a majority of the vote, the runoff will be held Dec. 8.