opinion

Viewpoint: New Orleans voters need a voice in who runs the NOPD

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For perhaps the first time since Mayor LaToya Cantrell appointed Shaun Ferguson as chief of police almost four years ago, Ferguson spoke candidly in public. “I want to encourage our city leaders to have better communication lines. This isn’t able personal agendas. It’s about the safety of the people of New Orleans,” Ferguson said Wednesday (Dec. 7) during his remarks on what influenced his surprise decision to retire in less than three weeks.

opinion

Viewpoint: Relationship between Mayor Cantrell and City Council reaches new low

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This week’s drama that pitted Mayor LaToya Cantrell against City Council President Helena Moreno and the majority of council members is just another example of the deep rift between the two branches of city government. Don’t expect it to heal anytime soon. The council was quick to call out Cantrell for her handling of Housing Authority of New Orleans board member Sharon Jasper, a long-time tenant advocate who Cantrell wanted to replace. State law requires that the appointing authority provide clear reasons for dismissal. Cantrell initially provided no reasons and then gave only lip service to the law.

opinion

Viewpoint: As we give thanks today, remember those who are less fortunate

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Why is Thanksgiving special? After all, the early Pilgrims weren’t such great folk. They muscled their way onto this continent and used weapons not available to its indigenous population to seize land, food and people while eliminating anyone who got in the way. They brought diseases that tribes had no means to combat. They broke up homes and destroyed villages and sacred grounds.

opinion

Viewpoint: Boissiere says ‘dark money’ forced PSC race into a runoff

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Incumbent District 3 Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Lambert Boissiere III launched a scathing attack Wednesday night (Nov. 9) on outside forces that he said precipitated the runoff in his bid for a fourth and final term on the PSC. “Almost $1 million dollars in dark money poured into my race from donors outside of Louisiana. Their purpose was not to support another candidate but just to pull votes from me,” Boissiere told a roomful of New Orleans Democratic leaders. The PSC race is the only New Orleans contest on the Nov.

opinion

Viewpoint: Early voting a big hit with New Orleans residents

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During the first two days of early voting, which began Tuesday (Oct. 25), almost 10,000 New Orleanians cast their votes either in-person or by mail. Those numbers continue to grow for every election, as people become more accustomed to finalizing their decisions earlier in the election process. Candidates have also noticed and are pushing out mail, social media and other forms of advertising to meet the early voting deadlines. 

In Orleans Parish, 9,490 registered voters turned in the ballots during the first two days. As usual, more Black (5,573) than White (3,530) residents have voted early.

Judge Mark Shea: trusted, experienced and fair – seeking re-election Nov 8 (sponsored)

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Mark Shea was born on October 22, 1958. Some people might say since the astrological sign for Libras is a scale, it is only fitting that he became a lawyer and eventually a judge. Others, who know the roots of the Shea family in public service, especially the legacy left by Mark’s father, the late Judge John Shea, would say there was never a question about his pursuit of justice. After all, three of the four Shea children are attorneys who practiced with their father in the family law firm. Now Mark’s own daughter, Delaney, is a practicing attorney. “My family is extremely close knit,” said Mark, “and just as expected of any Irish-Italian family in New Orleans, we argue and debate each other at family gatherings, but all in love.”

Mark grew up in New Orleans East.

opinion

Viewpoint: Nov. 8 ballot includes 8 constitutional amendments

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In addition to the races for U.S. Senate, Congress, judges, clerks and the School Board on the ballot, New Orleans voters will choose among eight constitutional amendments in the November election. All amendments were passed by the Louisiana Legislature during the 2021 or 2022 regular session. Each proposed amendment had to receive a two-thirds favorable vote in the House and Senate to reach the ballot. The Public Affairs Research Council has created a well-researched guide to the amendments. which is available on their website, parlouisiana.org. 

Amendment No.

Danae Columbus

Viewpoint: Does undue influence exist in city government? Let’s count the ways

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The new report by Independent Police Monitor Stella Crizment should have been a real eye-opener for many New Orleanians. It shines a bright light on a number of actions that appear designed to intimidate and malign an outspoken culture bearer, Belden “Noonie Man” Batiste, who is currently chairing the effort to recall Mayor LaToya Cantrell. 

Almost a year ago, Batiste, who is related to the Batiste family of celebrated musicians that Cantrell recently honored, spoke out against then-Sen. Karen Carter Peterson at a forum, while both were running for the U.S. Second Congressional District seat. Then-Councilman Jay Banks, a Peterson political ally, was so undone that he and his armed driver suddenly appeared at Batiste’s Treme home for a not-so-friendly chat. Fearing for his personal safety, Batiste called the police. That 911 call was not recorded, authorities said. 

The investigating officer arrives without an item number slip.

Knowledge for Change Celebration supports Nola Abortion Fund at Carrollton Station on Friday (sponsored)

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Register to vote, learn what will be on the midterm elections and support the New Orleans Abortion Fund with raffle donations sponsored by local businesses such as Stein’s, Wild Lotus, St. James Cheese, Picnic Whiskey & Provisions and more! This Friday, Sept. 30, acclaimed artist Mikayla Braun and educator Jaclyn Tregle partner with Carrollton Station to host the What Is Going On?! Knowledge for Change Celebration, which will provide a space where people can register to vote, with help from the League of Women Voters of New Orleans.

Viewpoint: Candidates gather endorsements as Election Day draws closer

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With the mid-term elections less than eight weeks away, political organizations are giving the nod to their preferred candidates. In turn, those endorsements are fueling fundraising for the all-important get-out-the-vote efforts, which will make or break most races. Last night, Municipal Court Judge Mark Shea courted donors at Junior’s in Lakeview, while his opponent Derek Russ entertained his supporters at Bijou on the edge of the French Quarter. 

The red hot race between Shea and Russ is a classic example of a well-liked, seasoned elected official being challenged by a younger upstart who has tired of waiting in the wings. Many pundits believe race is a factor in this campaign. As to be expected, Shea has garnered the lion’s share of endorsements, including from the Alliance for Good Government, the AFL-CIO and nine other organizations.