BATON ROUGE - It was a far less contentious council meeting Wednesday night by any measure. Newly appointed Councilmember Denise Amoroso was slow to speak and quick to listen.

"It's very unfamiliar territory for me," she said.

Amoroso filled her late husband's seat after a heated debate last week. Dozens of citizens opposed her appointment in favor of greater African-American representation on the metro council.

"People see [that debate] as drama. As long as that's the mentality we will continue to see the frustration," said Councilmember Chauna Banks who championed the opposition.

Wednesday the council was able to find consensus on a supplemental spending bill. In it was funding for fresh food initiatives and anti-violence programs.

Amoroso will serve at least until next year's special election to fill her seat.