New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin is hopeless, after five unproductive years in office; there are few options to turn the city’s fortunes around in the final three, things are too foregone. It is time for everyone to just start looking ahead, hoping to minimize the damage and praying that the next Mayor has something to salvage.
In the midst of a crime wave, in which six people were killed in four days, it was announced that the city will hire a PR firm for $100,000 to distribute the recovery message to New Orleans residents living at home and those who are still displaced. Of course, the most positive thing that could be announced is that Nagin is retiring, but that will not happen. Again, this is a superfluous hire, just like the Crime Czar and the Recovery Czar. New Orleans is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on consultants who are doing repetitive work, money that should be going into infrastructure improvements or flood protection. Why does the city need a public relations firm when it has a Communications Director? Why does it need a Crime czar when it has a Police Chief? Why does it need a Recovery Czar when it has a Mayor?
Ideally, Nagin would address such questions at his annual “State of the City” address, which will be given tonight to a crowd of supporters and members of the media. Unfortunately, the speech will be void of real information and filled with the usual PR spin, loaded with fake optimism and phony commitment.
Nagin is not committed to the recovery of New Orleans, he is committed to himself. The latest rumor running around political circles is that Nagin will run for Governor of Louisiana this fall. What a joke! Is there anyone more unqualified, more incapable than Ray Nagin? Folks, if you thought that Kathleen Blanco was bad, just wait till Ray Nagin takes over as Governor. He’ll make Blanco look like Margaret Thatcher.
Yet, if Nagin does run, it will not be about winning, for he knows he cannot win, it will be about expanding his support base and energizing the African American vote this fall. Nagin is upset at Bobby Jindal for his lack of support in the Mayor’s race, so by running against him, a run-off could be forced. If Nagin makes the run-off against Jindal, it will be a slam dunk for the congressman, but if Jindal is forced into a run-off with another candidate, it could spell trouble for the frontrunner.
A recent poll showed that only 16% of the voters in the metropolitan New Orleans area approved of the lame job that Nagin is doing as Mayor. Most probably, his approval rating throughout the state is not much better.
The real reason he might run is that Nagin hopes to use the race to launch his true campaign to become a national civil rights leader. This ego-driven goal is why Nagin can’t stay in the city long enough to get anything accomplished. It is why he earned the nickname Na-gone. Last week, he was at a FEMA seminar, before that it was a global warming conference, before that it was Philadelphia or somewhere else, creating controversy and drawing media attention.
Nagin is for anything that will take him away from doing his job. So a gubernatorial campaign is perfect, he will have to travel all over the state and again will be distracted from his true mission, which is the recovery of the CrescentCity.
If Nagin runs for Governor, the cameras will roll, feeding the Mayor’s healthy ego. The more media attention Nagin creates the less real work that is accomplished in New Orleans. A race for Governor will do nothing to help New Orleans, but it will satisfy the personal and political ambitions of Mayor Nagin.
It is the price the city has to pay for electing him as Mayor twice, proving once again that elections do matter.
Jeff Crouere is a native of New Orleans, LA and he is the host of a Louisiana based program, “Ringside Politics,” which airs at 8:30 p.m. Fri. and 10:00 p.m. Sun. on WLAE-TV 32, a PBS station, and Noon till 2 p.m. weekdays on several Louisiana radio stations. For more information, visit his web site at www.ringsidepolitics.com. E-mail him at jeff@ringsidepolitics.com.
Well, once again, politics in Louisiana is a joke. Nagin is a joke, Blanco is a joke, is it any wonder the rest of the country is laughing at us.
Unfortunately it involves all the residents of the state. I reside in St. John the Baptist parish which is about 25 miles outside of New Orleans. The ripple effect from N.O. greatly influences our economy and all areas in the vicinity. What the voters are thinking about on election day is beyond me.
Jindal seems to have the intelligence and direction to turn the state in the right direction. Hopefully the voters will finally get it and vote some one into office that can actually take us in a positive direction to get others (ie, businesses, money movers and other gov. officials)to buy into our state and begin to promote the quality of people and life that is present in everyday La. life and times.
I know, wishing on a star.
But hoping some day, some how it will be turned around and we can actually be on the news for positive achievements with an actual future for one and all, especially the NEXT generation
Thanks.
J C Weber
Written by J C Weber
on 6/4/2007
I know MLandry you can give not me a reason to swap from my canidates to yours,so you try to make fun.Thats ok you support who ever you want and i will vote Bobby Jindal for Governor and Barrack Obama for president.
Written by Susan
on 6/1/2007
Barack Obama? OMG, now I really know you aren't capable of seeing through the spin of unproven, incompetent candidates...
Written by MLandry
on 6/1/2007
Nice try but that would make me the only republican supporting Barrack Obama for president, as i have said many times that i was voting for him.Think for yourself and vote for the person not just the same old good old boy from your party.10 billion sent to Louisiana and not one democrat above the rank of mayor can we be proud of.Vote Bobby Jindal and give Louisiana hope for a better future and vote Barrack Obama for president and real change for our country.
Written by Susan
on 6/1/2007
Nice spin, I wouldn't expect any less from a repuglican - And you are truly kidding yourself Susan if you think Jindal will become governor
Written by MLandry
on 6/1/2007
Your harsh criticism may be right on, but our alternative was a man (Landrieu) who would have refilled the housing projects with loyal supporters guaranteed to suck at the entitlement teet forever. Crime would be no better - presumably even worse. At a minimum, Nagin's "inaction" as you call it, serves us well because it keeps government out of the lives of those of us who despise it.
Written by van4rep
on 5/31/2007
Jindal is just another slick office jumper who hasn't done anything to benefit Louisiana. How can someone win an elected office (US Rep) then one month later declare he is running for another office? Exactly what has he done since he has been in DC? Please enlighten me as to how he was able to solve the healthcare crisis in Louisiana? Does he have an inkling of business acumen, like Boasso does? Boasso was directly affected by the storms and has a vested interest in the economy of the state, was Jindal? Jindal's just another Repuglican face who will never get elected in this state, and I feel sorry for the constituents who are going to waste their vote on him cause the joke is on them.
Written by MLandry
on 5/31/2007
MLandry, Louisiana could fix that by having the Governor's Race in an even year like most of the rest of the United States. That way Jindal would have had to choose. Party switching is done all the time for political reasons but I am puzzled by the switching going on. I assume Boasso switched because Jindal had already gotten the endorsement of the GOP in Louisiana. Is it the same reason Kennedy might switch to run against Mary Landrieu? Louisiana still has open primaries, right? Anyone getting 50% of the vote wins? If not there is a runoff with the 2 candidates getting the most votes regardless of party? I agree with those who say that Mitch Landrieu would not have done much better for New Orleans. His family is too much a part of the problem.
Written by Sharon
on 5/31/2007
MLandry what has Walter Boasso done for Louisiana besides act like a spoiled child who said i am picking up my toys and going home.He swapped from the democrats to the Republicans saying my family has always been democrat and i am tired of not getting the democrat support.Now he cries my family is democrat and i am running back to them because i can not get the Republicans support.Walter will not get over 2% of the votes come election day.Now seeing as how you say Walter Boasso was directly affected by the storms and has a vested interest in the economy of the state.Why did he not see the levee`s were at lest repaired,Why did he not see to the flood maps being updated.For someone who you claim has so much invested in Louisiana, tell me what he has done while him and his family have been involved in Louisiana politics.Please convince me why someone who has so much invested in Louisiana,but can not get support from either side,should get my vote.MLandry please tell me why even now the democratic party has not endorsed Walter Boasso over Foster Campbell as their man for Governor.
In Louisiana anyone can ran and we get to vote for who ever we want.But if the person can not get the public support it is no one else fault but the person who is running for office.Face it the good old boys way of doing things is over.People or voting for Bobby because they want change from the good old boys way of doing things.So telling people Walter is one of the good old boys who have put this state at the bottom of the barrel is like saying vole for Louisiana to stay at the bottom of the barrel.BTW what has Walter or any one else in Louisiana done for Louisiana heath care?
Written by Susan
on 5/31/2007
MLandry i agree with you on the part of there is no sense in trying to persuade anyone to look at Boasso as a viable candidate.
Written by Susan
on 5/31/2007
MLandry glad you brought up Foster.He was a democrat Governor first term.Then he saw he was going to lose so the last day of qualifying for Governor he swapped parties,so he would be on the polls as a democrat but yet be able the pick up the Republican votes as a Repulican.But once he got into office he still could not do his job because he was still a Democrat good old boy .The only thing Foster did that helped Louisiana was hire Bobby Jindal.When you can not do your job the next best thing is to hire someone who can at least do their job.But even Foster only swapped once, and he did not do like Walter and swap every election for his own good not the good of the state.Now i will ask again why should i vote for Walter Boasso when he can not get either party to support him.If Walter cared about the 20% of the state of Louisiana's registered voters are classified as independent as you say,then why did he not switch to the independent party.No personal gain in doing that i guess.Besides what an Ego he must have to think after swapping to the Republican party for a couple of years,they would drop all other life long Republicans to support a man who will not even get 2% of the over all vote for governor..
Written by Susan
on 5/31/2007
So we have a spoiled child and a do-nothing office hopper running for office, with no mention of the populist. Whom to choose? Louisiana needs New Orleans despite plenty of this forum's posters who would love to see the city's demise. The only person who is in New Orleans' court is Boasso. If you cannot accept the fact that New Orleans is critical to the survival of the state, then there is no sense in trying to persuade anyone to look at Boasso as a viable candidate. Exactly how will Foster Campbell help New Orleans' recovery? And with Jindal from Baton Rouge who suspiciously one day became a Kenner, LA. resident vying for federal office, where exactly can his loyalties be? Boasso is the only candidate who will pull for the greater good of New Orleans once in office. A Baton Rouge native and a north Louisiana populist probably couldn't care less.
Written by MLandry
on 5/31/2007
It is the very same good ole boys from the Grand Old Party who have put their puppet Jindal in the race without even a nod to Boasso - that is precisely why he switched parties cause the Grand Old Party didn't even consider him a viable option - now doesn't that reek of cronyism?
Foster Campbell is too much of a populist to be effective - Boasso appeals to the moderate and has business background unlike the golden child Piyush
Remember, close to 20% of the state of Louisiana's registered voters are classified as independent and that is where this election is too soon to call. Remember the election of Foster in 1996, how he came out of nowhere and won the election and then proceeded to ride motorcycles, hunt ducks and attend classes to obtain a law degree. For someone with a business background, a member of the Grand Old Party who did the old switcheroo from Democrat just like Boasso whom you discredit, he sure did wonders for the state (note sarcasm). And Jindal is his creation...
Written by MLandry
on 5/31/2007
Sharon i was talking more that just New Orleans.No offense to anyone but people like Nagin and Blanco and Mary Landrieu are doing to Louisiana democrats,what Bush is doing to the republican party if he signs the Illegal immigrants amnesty bill and that is killing the party.
Louisiana democrats are going to lose all hold on Louisiana, with Nagin jumping for the brass ring because he knows he has lost New Orleans.This will be viewed by most people as a sad joke.But keep in mind the Landrieu family had controlled New Orleans for years before Nagin came along.So in the Mayors race there was just not much to choose from.May be i am wrong but with over 10 billion sent to Louisiana for hurricane recovery, i feel we should have at least one Democrat to be proud of.Now we do have a couple of Mayors to be proud of but nobody above that.Notice i did not mention John Kennedy and that is because he may be switching parties come election time.BTW thank you for the prayers LT,because we are going to need them.
Written by Susan
on 5/30/2007
Sidney Torres IV for Mayor in 2010! A businessman who by then will have a real record of public accomplishment, in addition to the political conections, money, media savvy and sex appeal he's already got. He could get a good crossover vote and it looks to be another weak field of candidates. It's his for the taking.
Written by Leo Watermeier
on 5/30/2007
Governor Nagin? Isn't the fact that there is a Mayor Nagin enough for you poor folks? Let us pray for Louisiana. wow...stunned...getting dizzy...
Written by LT
on 5/30/2007
Yo David..........do you really think Nagin calculates anything or places variables into any equation when his decision making process is churning? Think not. He just reacts with wonderment on just how his last reaction was covered with camera, chapter and verse. Tats it. He's totally an opportunist IMHO.
Written by JH
on 5/30/2007
You know, I live in Mississippi and, I really feel sorry for Louisiana and N.O. in particular. You guys have truly elected some people that my cat 'would cover up'. And, then gone forth to actually re-elect these same stinkbombs again. N.O. was one of my favorite places in the world 30 years ago. Now, I'm scared to go down there. Well, at least Blanco had enough respect to not run indicating she has discovered reality. Reality to Nagin is some form of interruption in his 'cash flow'.(Wouldn't that be just the Cat's Meow?)
Yeah, he'll run for the BIG _ICK in RED STICK but, end up right there finishing off N.O. I mean, this guy is relentless in his pursuit for DumbA$$ of the Century and will take everyone with him. Don't let it happen Guys.
Written by JH
on 5/30/2007
You cannot make up this stuff. Nagin for Governor?? Jeff could be right about him pulling just enough votes to make a runoff necessary (more wasted money). Not sure I agree that would give any of the other candidates a better shot but you never know. You'all know that I wish Jindal would stay in the Congress but it is his choice. There are numerous Jindal for Governor stickers on cars here in the Florida Panhandle and in Pensacola there is a huge billboard that says "New Orleans is coming back. Are YOU???" The governor's race could be very interesting.
Written by Sharon
on 5/30/2007
Susan, can I assume that you are talking about Nagin turning his back on New Orleans? Someone very powerful is pulling his strings. Nagin wants to be a national figure. He is easily swayed and always playing to his audience. I just hope when he becomes another Julian Bond, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton to name a few, that he leaves Louisiana alone. If he uses his Louisiana roots for their gain, Louisiana could be in even worse trouble.
Written by Sharon
on 5/30/2007
Sharon i think when Bobby Jindal becomes governor,he will be able to lead Louisiana and give us hope.But it is so sad that,we have another Louisiana politician selling out New Orleans for their own greed.He knows he has lost control of the city and instead of fighting back,he is going to turn his back on the city.
Written by Susan
on 5/30/2007
This is really sad.
Written by Susan
on 5/30/2007
Susan I could not agree with you more about this Immigration Bill. I understand where President Bush is on this matter and agree with a guest worker plan. The problem is that 1. The American People were promised that they would never have to visit this problem again. 2. The only part of the old laws on the books that have not been put into effect is enforcement. 3. We should never reward law breakers with citizenship. Therefore I am against a road to citizenship for those who entered illegally. Work visa. No citizenship. 4. Kennedy was a primary on the old immigration bill. He is one of the chief reasons that enforcement has not been attempted much less practiced. 5. As soon as this bill is signed illegals would be legal, the triggers would not be enforced, and IMHO all would be granted citizenship with no fines, no return home (amnesty) within a year especially if a Democrat is in the White House. 6. This bill would encourage (not discourage) more illegals. Anytime Teddy Kennedy reaches across the aisle it is not good for the GOP. I agree that something must be done but I also believe that we can lock down our borders before we go into any other plan. Hurting the GOP? Afraid we cannot win on that one no matter how we vote. If it becomes law, the Democrats will say that they championed this bill. Bush will again get no credit from that side. The Democrats will gain tens of thousands of voters who let's face it, really only want to get on to our social programs. The Repbulican base will be angry at those who vote for this bill. Again let's face it, Republicans have not learned to hold their noses and vote against a candidate and will likely stay home as they did in 2006. I prefer to vote for someone regardless of party. Why would you think that Kennedy running as a Democrat could not beat Mary Landrieu? Did Louisiana change to a closed primary?
Written by Sharon
on 5/30/2007
The "Latinos" are the ones rebuilding New Orleans, so let them come - we welcome them with open arms - I don't see anyone else coming here and putting in the sweat equity needed to raise the city back up
I disagree with SDT for Gov - I have heard on the streets of New Orleans from several sources that he is a monster to work for - would you really want someone like that in the Governor's mansion?
Written by MLandry
on 5/30/2007
I'm no Nagin fan, but it's disingenuous to say he hasn't done anything in five years. From what I could see, New Orleans was moving in the right direction before Katrina hit. Katrina revealed that whatever his business managerial skills, Nagin was ill-suited as a motivational leader or a crisis manager. Somewhere along the line he "reinvented" himself as a less-articulate, less-funny, less-focused, secular Al Sharpton. How many of you Jindal supporters reelected Nagin mayor because you couldn't stomach the idea of a "liberal" Landrieu returning to the Mayor's office?
Nagin running for gov. makes no sense and won't happen. His entry into the race would only split the Democratic vote (such as it is, given the candidates) and make it even more likely Jindal would win without a runnoff. Jeff's obviously not thinking this through--how does he see Nagin pulling votes away from Jindal? I guess his hatred of Nagin is not only clouding his perception of Nagin's record, it's also clouding his perception of how politics work.
Written by David
on 5/30/2007
Sorry I am long here. For the record a great deal of that money for the Gulf States was passed by the last congress which was GOP lead. The better share of the oil revenue was passed by the last Congress lead by the GOP. Check out the vote. How many Democratic Senators voted for that Act? Louisiana is giving most of the credit to Landrieu but IMHO it is not deserved especially with the latest press releases. She worked hard but a lot of her behavior and remarks were beneath a US Senator. She also deserves a lot of the blame for the condition of the state since her family has been in the leadership in Louisiana for decades. They are part of the "good ole boy" network that has given Louisiana the reputation it has.
Written by Sharon
on 5/30/2007
Would Nagin have to resign as mayor in order to run for governor? Where do I send my campaign contribution???
Written by NOLALOU
on 5/30/2007
If that Immigration Bill passes both Houses, this will prove that the Federal Elect are running this Nation and not "WE THE PEOPLE" as poll after poll has clearly indicated that the people want no part of this Scoth Breath, Drunken Teddybear, Bridge Over Troubled Waters Kennedy Amnesty Program. Why is the House and Senate trying to redefine illegal? Why are we even kicking this around? This is plum freakin scary. We got enough problems with Islamic Extremist trying to force feed all Judeo-Christians (and other infidels) a prayer rug plus we got to put up with the Feds trying to force feed us illegal Latinos. No way to 'go on a diet' in this Country. All this makes my hair hurt and lower stomach rumble. That's a bad, bad combo.
Written by JH
on 5/30/2007
Exactly JH. This immigration bill is something that "we the people" should vote on. It is clear that on important social issues such as this, our elected leaders are not listening regardless of party.
Written by Sharon
on 5/30/2007
Sharon i do belive John Kennedy could beat Mary as a democrat,but the rumors are floating that he will change parties.Karl Rove has even been to talk to him about a party switch.I would rather see him run as a democrat, but the odds are looking against that happening.
Written by Susan
on 5/30/2007
Is it April 1st? Please tell me this is a joke.
Written by TW
on 5/30/2007
You europeans make me laugh you all are the biggest nagin haters for what ever reason. Get over it, he's never done you any thing personally,so get real. He would never want to represent this racist state of louisiana. this state has the most dumbest and ignorant european people in this country including you jeff and for the lady who say she is from mississippi i would never tell anyone i'm from mississippi. They have even dumber europeans than louisiana. You europeans are the most gullible people in this place called america cause there's no group of people that yall hate like yall hate us but we are ready to die cause we have nothing to lose.But we have an ally that yall can't defeat with your weapons and exploitation of black people and that is because of God, so you can't and will never be able to get of rid us.
Written by B R
on 5/30/2007
check that comment - say NO SDT for mayor, but say yes to Walter Boasso for Governor of Louisiana 2007
Written by MLandry
on 5/30/2007
tell me it "ain't so"...Nagin is the true disaster for New Orleans.
Written by jeff
on 5/30/2007
MLandry as often as Walter Boasso switches parties,we could have the first democrat,repulican Governor in history.No thanks vote Bobby Jindal for Governor and give louisiana the hope we need for a better future.
Written by Susan
on 5/30/2007
copy this link into your browser to read Mayor Nagin's historic State of The City Address which he gave Wednesday night.
http://www.bayoubuzz.com/News/NewOrleans/New_Orleans_Nagin_Gives_First_State_Of_City_Speech_Post_Katrina__3864.asp
Written by Stephen Sabludowsky, Publisher of Bayoubuzz
on 5/30/2007
New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin is hopeless, after five unproductive years in office; there are few options to turn the city’s fortunes around in the final three, things are too foregone. It is time for everyone to just start looking ahead, hoping to minimize the damage and praying that the next Mayor has something to salvage. 
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