N.O. Mayoral Debate Goes National on MSNBC

[Ixolib]

For those who might be interested in the "politics" of New Orleans, post-Katrina, and how this week's mayoral election will unfold, MSNBC (and WDSU) will nationally televise tonight (4/17) a debate of the top seven candidates. No matter where any of us stand on the issue of Katruba and N.O., the debate should be pretty interesting - especially where recovery from Katrina is concerned... http://msnbc.msn.com/id/12167858/

And here's a little more info related to the same topic...
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/12345979/

Why anyone would "WANT" to be mayor of N.O. during this time is amazing to me... Talk about an uphill battle!!!!!!!!!

[GalvestonDuck]

I was suprised (at first) to see a campaign billboard in Houston...for Nagin. Then, of course, I realized a lot of NOLAnders* would be voting from here by absentee ballot.







*If it's not a word, it is now...and it's mine!
"NOLAnders" ©2006 GalvestonDuck

[BayouVenteux]

I was suprised (at first) to see a campaign billboard in Houston...for Nagin. Then, of course, I realized a lot of NOLAnders* would be voting from here by absentee ballot.

*If it's not a word, it is now...and it's mine!
"NOLAnders" ©2006 GalvestonDuck

Actually, if any Houston NOLAnders (great word, BTW!) in-exile feel compelled to vote absentee, they've got to drive at least as far as Calcasieu Parish to vote. After much debate, it was decided the law states that absentee balloting for a municipal election can only take place in-state. Otherwise, they'll need to travel to New Orleans on the 22nd to vote on election day.

Of course, the whole process will be repeated again for the expected May runoff!

[CajunMama]

According to todays paper the entire state of LA has to fund this election. Fema denied it (and i agree with that) but for me to have to help fund the election???? My blood's just boiling right now

[TSmith274]

According to todays paper the entire state of LA has to fund this election. Fema denied it (and i agree with that) but for me to have to help fund the election???? My blood's just boiling right now

Cajun Mamma, I don't understand. New Orleans is broke. What else can we do? Just keep these idiots in office until the city has enough money to run an election? I understand your frustration, but paying for an election is a worthy cause, believe me. New Orleans has given a lot to this state over the years. It'll be worth it.

[CajunMama]

How many of those people who are voting are not moving back to NO?????? And also, the STATE is broke, not just NO. What has NO given? The Saints? (which the state has to pay for also). You have Mardi Gras which alot of the tax money stays in NO.

[BayouVenteux]

According to todays paper the entire state of LA has to fund this election. Fema denied it (and i agree with that) but for me to have to help fund the election???? My blood's just boiling right now

Cajun Mama, I don't understand. New Orleans is broke. What else can we do? Just keep these idiots in office until the city has enough money to run an election? I understand your frustration, but paying for an election is a worthy cause, believe me. New Orleans has given a lot to this state over the years. It'll be worth it.

Ya just gotta laugh to keep from cryin'

FEMA won't pay for New Orleans election

BATON ROUGE, La. Secretary of State Al Ater wants to know why the federal government agreed to pay for New York City's municipal elections after September 11th, but refuses to pay for New Orleans' elections after Hurricane Katrina. FEMA recently turned down Louisiana's request for the extra 3 to 4 (M) million dollars it will take to hold the April 22 New Orleans municipal elections, rescheduled in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. But the agency shelled out nearly 8(M) million dollars after the September 11th terrorist attacks delayed New York City's elections. Ater says it's a double standard. Orleans Parish doesn't have the money to pay even the normal elections cost of 400 thousand dollars for the city. FEMA says the additional elections costs are outside the agency's authority and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has not responded to a request to meet with the secretaries of state of Louisiana, Mississippi or Alabama.

[Audrey2Katrina]

What has NO given? The Saints? (which the state has to pay for also). You have Mardi Gras which alot of the tax money stays in NO.

New Orleans has given a LOT to the state, and the country. Aside from the fact that it was the reason for the Louisiana Purchase in the first place, it's port has brought in literally BILLIONS to the coffers of both state and national revenues, ... I could go on, but this would be getting too political...although I DO agree with you on the point of how many of those will actually move back... this has always been a craw in my throat.

A2K

[TSmith274]

How many of those people who are voting are not moving back to NO?????? And also, the STATE is broke, not just NO. What has NO given? The Saints? (which the state has to pay for also). You have Mardi Gras which alot of the tax money stays in NO.

Deleted... went overboard.

[Dionne]

Everyone seems to be forgetting about the Port of N.O. It is the most important part of the city. New Orleans wasn't built to attract tourists. The city is a gateway. The city will recover. Unfortunately some of the minus sea level residences will not.

"There is hope for your future," says the Lord. "Your children will come again to their own land."

Jeremiah 31:17

[Audrey2Katrina]

Everyone seems to be forgetting about the Port of N.O. It is the most important part of the city. New Orleans wasn't built to attract tourists. The city is a gateway. The city will recover. Unfortunately some of the minus sea level residences will not.

"There is hope for your future," says the Lord. "Your children will come again to their own land."

Jeremiah 31:17

Thanks for the uplifting note, Dionne; but both myself and TSmith have brought up the port.

and everyone said: "Amen!"

A2K

[CajunMama]

Why does it seem that if you're not from New Orleans and didn't go thru Katrina that you are always wrong and your opinion doesn't count?

[TSmith274]

Nobody is saying that. All we are saying is that having the state fund one election after such a catastrophe isn't too much to ask. It goes with the territory. I'm sure that if another part of this state suffers a similar catastrophe, most Louisianians wouldn't think twice about helping them... especially for such an important event as an election. It's an emotional issue, and sometimes people get carried away, myself included.

[TSmith274]

FYI, WWL Ch 4 in New Orleans reported in their 5pm broadcast that the state is losing $15,000,000.00 per day as a result of New Orleans' tourism no longer being a part of the equation. The state approved funds for a $30,000,000.00 nationwide ad campaign to get New Orleans tourism going again. Another interesting fact is that just over 95% of all New Orleans tourist dollars come from outside of Louisiana, including international tourists. Just another example of what New Orleans contributes to this state. So, $4,000,000.00 for an election in a city that contributes $15,000,000.00 per day into the state economy... seems like a good deal to me.

More to come...

[Sean in New Orleans]

Louisiana, in addition to New Orleans, is hurting because of the lack of tourism. It's a real dagger for Louisiana...whether others in the State want to admit it, New Orleans is the economic engine for the State.

[Ixolib]

FYI, WWL Ch 4 in New Orleans reported in their 5pm broadcast that the state is losing $15,000,000.00 per day as a result of New Orleans' tourism no longer being a part of the equation. The state approved funds for a $30,000,000.00 nationwide ad campaign to get New Orleans tourism going again. Another interesting fact is that just over 95% of all New Orleans tourist dollars come from outside of Louisiana, including international tourists. Just another example of what New Orleans contributes to this state. So, $4,000,000.00 for an election in a city that contributes $15,000,000.00 per day into the state economy... seems like a good deal to me.

More to come...

Wonder how Harrah's is doing??? I would think their business absolutely depends on conventions and tourism in the in the Quarter and surrounding area. Or, perhaps all the construction workers are keeping them going???

[TSmith274]

That's a good question. I haven't seen any numbers. I wouldn't think it's very strong.

[Dionne]

That's a good question. I haven't seen any numbers. I wouldn't think it's very strong.

I have visited the few casinos that have re-opened. Their operatons are all very limited. The Isle of Capri on the Mississippi coast didn't have a single person in the card room. You don't see pretty gurls walking around offering free beverages. I don't see how they could be showing any profit at all. The only real tourism is people coming to see the results of the storm.

Myself....on August 29, 2006.....you can find me at the planned re-opening of the Beau Rivage.

[Pearl River]

I'm sure we will also pay for any elections held in SW LA area's damaged by Rita.