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There is an interesting story in Tuesday’s Daily Monopoly about the business community’s reaction to New Orleans’ “bad” mayor. See story here.

Mayor Nagin likes to assume a macho, “bad attitude” when confronted with real problems, like businesses leaving. That may play well in the hood, but it doesn’t play well in the shops, offices and board rooms.

Calling businesses “predators” and telling them that if they want to leave the city, he’ll send them a postcard is not likely to encourage businesses to stay. Pre-K New Orleans was the worst business environment in the state and likely one of the worst in the country. The message from the “bad” mayor was we don’t need you and don’t reallycare about you.

The interesting thing about most successful business people is that they don’t make idle threats. They simplydo what they need to do, postcard or not. Just like the great fighters, quarterbacks and running backs, they never “telegraph” their next move. The only enterprises that make threats are government agencies, gambling casinos and professional sports franchises. The message is so clear in today’s story that one needn’t read between the lines.

A really “bad” dude not only talks the talk, but he walks the walk. Enough of the macho rhetoric. As the business leaders suggested it’s long past time to get into gear and do something. Otherwise, the mayor will need a bulk stamp to send out his postcards.

C.B.

Uncategorized CB 6:40 am

If there is anything to be said for consistency, Mayor Ray Nagin is consistent. Especially in his ability to alienate while claiming to be “bringing everyone together.”

Here’s a Nagin quote from a story less than 24 hours after he was reelected about his efforts at “bringing people together.”

“Business people are predators, and if the economic opportunities are here, they’re going to stay. If not, they’re going to leave,” said Nagin, in his now famous vernacular style. “I don’t worry about that stuff. I think there’s enough interest around the country that we’re going to attract top businesses. … God bless them. I hope they stay, but if they don’t, I’ll send them a postcard.”

If there was ever a doubt whether Nagin had a recovery plan for New Orleans, this should remove all doubt.

Nagin said he plans to put together a commission, including some former political rivals, to decide on action in the next 100 days. Debris removal and housing will be top priorities.

He is going to form ANOTHER (Remember Bring New Orleans Back?) committee to figure out what he failed to do for nine months and accomplish it in a 100 days.

The mayor still doesn’t grasp the fact that the best plans by the smartest people are worthless if not implemented. Implementation is what has been lacking since August 26, 2005. The buck stops on his desk.

I hope that someone will hold his feet to the fire.

C.B.

Uncategorized CB 7:02 am

We had a lot of rabble rousers from both inside the city and outside the city who claimed a white conspiracy to deny blacks a chance to hold office in New Orleans post-Katrina. Rev. Jesse Jackson said that he would litigate the election results regardless of what happened because black voters were disenfranchised.

Here are the facts in color:

Mayor: Black incumbent reelected.

Council at Large (two seats): Black incumbent reelected and white incumbent defeated by a white challenger.

Council District A: White incumbent defeated by a white challenger. No black challenger.

Council District B: Black incumbent defeated by a white.

Council District C: Black defeated a white in open seat.

Council District D: Black incumbent reelected.

Council District E: Black incumbent reelected.

NOTE: The race and gender makeup of the New Orleans City Council remains exactly the same.

Civil Sheriff: Black incumbent reelected.

Criminal Sheriff: Black incumbent reelected.

Clerk of Civil District Court: Black incumbent reelected.

Clerk of Criminal District Court: Black elected to open seat.

Assessor 1st District: Black incumbent reelected.

Assessor 2nd District: White incumbent reelected. No black challenger.

Assessor 3rd District: Black incumbent reelected.

Assessor 4th District: Black incumbent reelected.

Assessor 5th District: White incumbent reelected.

Assessor 6th District: White incumbent defeated by a white challenger. No black challenger

Assessor 7th District: White incumbent reelected.

Bottom-line is that blacks in New Orleans only lost one elected position — Council District B.

I’m looking forward to the apologies from those who attempted to delay the elections and thus deny us our constitutional right to vote.

I also look forward to Rev. Jackson’s lawsuit contesting the elections. After all and unfair election is an unfair election regardless of who won. Isn’t it?

My educated guess is that we won’t see an apology or Rev. Jackson’s lawsuit.

C.B

Uncategorized CB 7:01 am