Of the 23 candidates for mayor, ten were invited to the first mayoral debate on Tuesday in Roussel Hall.
Nine of the 10 candidates appeared to speak about their plans for the future of New Orleans: Mayor C. Ray Nagin; James Arey, radio host on WWNO 89.9 FM; Virginia Boulet, lawyer; Rob Couhig, lawyer; Ron Forman, Audubon Institute Chief Executive; Mitch Landrieu, Lt. Governor; Leo Watermeier, former state representative; The Rev. Tom Watson; and Peggy Wilson, former City Councilwoman.
Kimberly Williamson Butler, clerk of Criminal District Court, was invited but could not attend due to legal issues. Butler was serving the second of a three-day sentence for contempt of court in Orleans Parish prison.
The elections will be held on April 22.
James Arey, Virginia Boulet, Rob Couhig, Ron Foreman, Mitch Landrieu and Mayor Ray Nagin attended the first mayoral debate on Tuesday. (Victoria Lodi)
