BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Five candidates running for mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish shared their viewpoints on multiple topics during the mayoral candidate forum on Tuesday, Sept. 24. One of the topics introduced to the candidates was infrastructure. Republican candidate Sid Edwards says addressing blighted properties and road issues, especially in North Baton Rouge should be a top priority. "I think there is over 6,000 blighted properties in the parish and I noticed a process. But at the end the day you got to knock them down," said Edwards. One of the issues brought up by the community is revitalizing many areas in the city. The incumbent Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome says the work she's put in, like the new Amazon Fulfillment Center, has been making a big impact. Social Security reform gains traction as Louisiana congressional delegates make big push "We know that when we have businesses, such as Amazon, then that contributes to revitalization as well," said Broome. Several candidates say that many non-profit organizations are willing to collaborate to help build the city forward. Independent candidate William Roundtree, also known as 'Champagne Starr,' says he's willing to continue working with organizations, like churches, to reach the community. "We make rival teams with the churches, with football, so that the kids actually get back into the church. So, they're focused more on church versus the crime," said Roundtree. Independent Ryan 'Bad Business' Carter says that he's been open about dealing with homelessness and the affects. With topics such as section eight housing and better living resources, he says transparency in wanting to help those in need should be the first step. "There's a negative connotation in certain neighborhoods. But we have to, we have to be transparent," Carter said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now BRProud Daily News SIGN UP NOW Democratic candidate Ted James says with economic development growth is better investment in the community, including building a better small business ecosystem. "We need to explore more grant funding for our small businesses. The third thing we need to do for those small businesses that have contracts with the city we have to pay them on time," said James. The next mayoral candidate forum is Oct. 2 at the LSU Manship Theatre. Latest News Candidates running for mayor-president of East Baton Rouge share views on certain topics at mayoral candidate forum 2 passengers injured on United flight after plane tries to avoid collision OMG Girlz awarded $71.5 million in battle with toy maker over "L.O.L." dolls 'America's Got Talent' season finale: Who will win the million-dollar prize? What you need to know as Southern University football heads into bye week