The appeal of New Orleans never wanes, despite hurricanes, storms, crumbling infrastructure, crime, educational issues and lack of police. In fact, I daresay that’s part of its appeal: the danger factor. You love it so much you’re willing to put up with the crap that you must endure to live in such a fascinating city. But isn’t that always the way in great cities?
New Orleans made historic progress on October 14, when we held our primaries for city leadership, with the mayor’s race being the focus.
This city has never had a woman mayor, ever. And now it will. The runoff will be between two great women: LaToya Cantrell (currently City Councilmember of District B) and Desiree Charbonnet, an attorney and former municipal judge. So there’s no question about it: This time we’ll elect a female mayor. Hallelujah!
I used to be one of those people who believed that government could be more efficiently run by someone who’d been successful in the business world—it could be “run like a business.” I no longer feel that way (and no, not because of our current U.S. president—don’t get me started). I’ve been involved on the board of nonprofits and government agencies, and I can tell you that running a business and operating the government are not in parity, no way.
Government serves all the people; business serves the acquisition of capital and profit. The two do not equate. Business is out for the almighty dollar, sometimes at the expense of its employees and markets. Government needs to get the best deal for the taxpayers it serves, and it has to be used to compromise to serve all its constituents well and equitably. The two do not equate.
I supposed because I’ve reached a golden age, I value experience (which I didn’t necessarily as a cocky twenty-, thirty- and even fortysomething). Experience and historical perspective matter in the success of any enterprise, with a generous soupçon of openness to innovation and positive change.
As a publisher of a music and culture magazine, I think it’s important for me to take a position on who our media endorses as next mayor. Our selection has served us well as City Councilmember and she knows how the government operates from day-to-day experience. She’s been a community activist; she has community roots— not merely a familiar name. She’s knowledgeable about what needs to be done in this city and is dedicated to make it better for its citizens. I’m sure (and hoping) that she’s going to ruffle some feathers in the good ole boy and established political groups and lobbies. She knows from where our local music and culture are derived and is committed to keeping them alive and nourished and vital. For these reasons, we are supporting LaToya Cantrell for Mayor of New Orleans.
