For many years New Orleans has needed a hero. The repeated cases of corruption, incompetence and criminal behavior have been practically non-stop for too long. The political problems have led to a decrease in population as citizens and businesses have fled the Crescent City. Post-Katrina, the problems only intensified as the Nagin administration has been unwilling or unable to make any substantial progress. In fact, the city has regressed under the “leadership” of Ray Nagin.

Yet, in the midst of this depressing landscape there is some anticipation of progress. One of the best things to happen in recent years was the establishment of an Inspector General’s office and the hiring of a nationally recognized expert, Robert Cerasoli. He has true credentials as an Inspector General and is an outsider with no political agenda. He offers the long suffering citizens a true ray of hope.  

With key support provided by the New Orleans City Council, Cerasoli is working diligently to set up his office, hire key personnel and launch a variety of investigations on a dizzying array of issues. From the administration’s credit card abuse to their crazy vehicle policy, Cerasoli and his colleagues have their hands full to say the least.

To fulfill his important mission, Cerasoli needs support and encouragement. Instead, the Nagin administration has provided nothing but roadblocks. From trying to stop his funding source to providing obstacles to setting up an office, City Hall has been acting like it does not want Cerasoli to launch his investigations. It seems apparent that the administration wants Cerasoli to fail and that they have something to hide.

The latest example was provided by City Attorney Penya Moses Fields, who sent Cerasoli a letter on Friday telling him, "It would be helpful if, in the future, you would provide a direct communication to my office when you initiate an investigation." What a ludicrous request! The last person Cerasoli should be informing about any city investigation is a member of the Nagin administration.

The Inspector General needs total independence to succeed. Fortunately, Cerasoli rejected the request and told Fields that notification "would be inconsistent with (his) office's role and statutory responsibilities and accordingly, we will not do so." Cerasoli reminded the city attorney that the law setting up his office provides that it will be "operationally independent from the legislative and executive branches of the city, " which precludes his alerting the city attorney about pending investigations. Cerasoli also rejected demands that his office alert the city attorney about media requests and upcoming interviews.

Cerasoli should not have to answer to the Mayor or the City Attorney on any issue, which is why his independence is so important. Luckily, he has the support of Councilman-at-large Arnie Fielkow and other City Council members. Fielkow strongly supports the Inspector General and has requested that the City Attorney appear before a council committee tomorrow to answer questions on this issue.

With Cerasoli, New Orleans city government can finally move away from the corrupt practices of the past and restore some public confidence in City Hall. Right now, that trust is lacking and for good reason.

Jeff Crouere is a native of New Orleans, LA and he is the host of a Louisiana based program, “Ringside Politics,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Fri. and 10:00 p.m. Sun. on WLAE-TV 32, a PBS station, and 7 till 11 a.m. weekdays on WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans and the Northshore. For more information, visit his web site at www.ringsidepolitics.com. E-mail him at jeff@ringsidepolitics.com

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