Allan Katz and Danae Columbus: Is it time for a female sheriff of Orleans Parish?

Allan Katz and Danae Columbus

It’s no secret that Sheriff Marlin Gusman is embattled. Escapes, deaths, and many normal prison problems have plagued his term. Gusman has even admitted that the pricy new jail does not have the special facilities needed to best treat sick and mentally-ill patients in this phase. Let’s not forget that Orleans Parish sheriffs have traditionally kept their finances close to the vest and not readily available for full scrutiny by mayor and council. There’s not much transparency at the prison these days.

Black voters could make Gusman’s reelection a cause and turn out in record numbers to keep their sheriff. Standing in the wings might be one of two strong women who could set the sheriff’s office straight: Dana Kaplan or Stacy Head. There has never been a female sheriff in New Orleans or even a credible female candidate for sheriff.

Kaplan, as you may recall, lost the Council District B race to LaToya Cantrell earlier this year. Even though Kaplan raised the most money by far and was endorsed by Mayor Landrieu and many others, Cantrell ran a better race and has proven to be a solid member of the Council. Kaplan returned to the juvenile justice program she previously headed but still yearns for a stronger voice in the community. Kaplan is well known in criminal justice circles. Her brother-in-law is U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), a man with strong Obama connections. Mayor Landrieu might be delighted to support her against Gusman, who he claims is a poor manager. Kaplan could learn from her mistakes in the Council race and be a very viable candidate, unless of course Stacy Head takes the race seriously.

Head has said that maybe she ought to run for Sheriff -– if no one else opposes Gusman. Was she kidding? Maybe, maybe not. There is no doubt Head would bring law and order, transparency and fiscal accountability to the Sheriff’s office. We’re not sure who of the current crew would want to work for her – prisons are notoriously a male-oriented hierarchy. But Head would have to look no farther for a role model than to Sue Ellen Mumfra who has run the Jefferson Parish jail for many years now. The late Harry Lee promoted Sue Ellen into that slot because he knew she was tough and would get the job done. No one is escaping under Sue Ellen’s watch. No one is drinking beer or doing drugs on the tiers and no one is dying because of lack of care. JPSO Deputy Chief Mumfra has also developed a “Jailhouse Chaplain” program that gives every inmate access to clergy for prayer and counseling. Sounds like the kind of jail we would want –- and should have.

We also need a local prison system that focuses on the conservative philosophies of public safety, compassion and controlled government spending. We need to educate and train prisoners so that they are better prepared to re-enter society, find meaningful jobs to support their families and keep down recidivism. It could also eliminate the needs for additional beds. Our City’s goal should be to rehabilitate criminals, not keep them for life and make them more dangerous when they leave than when they came in. For that we need strong leadership that a woman could bring.

In our effort toward full transparency we should note that Danae has worked for both Dana Kaplan and Stacy Head previously, but has not discussed the sheriff’s race with either.

Cynthia Hedge-Morrell strongly considering bid for at-large City Council seat
Most people expect Stacy Head to seek reelection to the City Council in 2014. But there are two separate seats now due to a recent change in the law. Cynthia Hedge Morrell, who has served as District D’s councilmember for eight years, is strongly considering the at-large race. Jackie Clarkson is term limited and is talking about supporting Hedge-Morrell.

Electing Stacy and Cynthia would give citizens the one black/one white balance that many voters have asked for. Hedge-Morrell, former budget chairman, says she has helped rebuild Gentilly and developed small and large new businesses and jobs. Hedge Morrell has also done an excellent job as head of the Council Utility Committee. Two of her sons are cops. She wants to apply the political and governmental skills that she has developed citywide.

Challengers also emerging for other council seats
It appears that Cynthia Willard-Lewis is about to resurface after successfully overcoming a serious illness. She lost to Stacy Head by less than 300 votes after spending much less than $100,000. Willard-Lewis could decide to challenge Head or even new District E Councilmember James Gray.

Susan Guidry went all out for Head in the at-large race and might need that favor returned if rumored candidate, Simone Bruni, the “Demo Diva,” enters the race. Bruni is being courted by Republicans.

Kristin Gisleson Palmer also has a potential challenger in retired judge Nadine Ramsey, a resident of Algiers. The voting mix has changed in Algiers since Katrina and Palmer would have to rely on strong cross-over vote to keep her seat. Many, including Jackie Clarkson, think Palmer has done a good job.

Allan Katz spent 25 years as a political reporter and columnist at The Times-Picayune, and is now editor of the Kenner Star and host of several televsion programs, including the Louisiana Newsmaker on Cox Cable. Danae Columbus is executive producer of Louisiana Newsmaker, and has had a 30-year career in public relations, including stints at City Hall and the Dock Board. They both currently work for the Orleans Parish School Board. Among the recent candidates who have been represented by their public relations firm are City Councilwoman Stacy Head, Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne and council candidate Dana Kaplan.