Good news across the Crescent City: the Saints came from behind to trample the Miami Dolphins and, just as important, renovations have finally started on the historic 20s’-era Saenger Theater. The Saints and the Saenger, both icons of our city, were both in dire need of help. The Saints needed saving from one of the worst records in the National Football League and the Saenger from extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina.
The surge of optimism following the sudden rebirth of the Saints and the Saenger is greater than any I have seen since coming to New Orleans a few years ago. Let’s face it, if we can seriously discuss the Saints going to the Super Bowl, we can do anything.
Anything, that is, except elect a decent city and regional government. This, historically, is very difficult for people in South Louisiana to do. I understand that. I’ve lived here all my life; however, I do not think we realize how much is predicated on a good government and how much it will affect our ability to continue to rebuild in the next few years. We have a chance with the upcoming mayoral election to make hell freeze over. Think of it: the Saints at the Super Bowl and a government in control.
Candidates for the New Orleans mayoral race are lining up and, in the words of one campaign advisor, “there’s absolutely nothing sexy about this race.” So far, we have no celebrity candidates, no controversial candidates, nor any well known candidates.
This may be a blessing in disguise for our city. Maybe now we can pick a candidate based on qualifications and the issues, not just how well they fit the ambience of the city — that is to say, smooth, sexy and crooked. So, what makes a “good” candidate? My qualifications are simple.
First and foremost, I would like to see someone free of the endemic corruption that plagues our city. Except in times of greatest sympathy, no one wants to give aid to a city when it is awarded to family members of the people in charge, when only a fraction of it reaches the people it was meant for.
More importantly, no business wants to invest in a city where they cannot count on the stability of a government and its demands. It is very hard to do business when faceless bureaucrats are always demanding a few thousand dollars here and there for permits that you’ve never heard of, where you have to wait for months to pay off petty bureaucrats in order to get permission to do anything. Let’s face it, infighting and corruption have paralyzed this city, and without business, we have no jobs, tax revenue or prospects.
Finally, I want someone with a base level of competence. We need someone who can see what needs to be done and follow through. Someone who can manage daily affairs without seriously bungling and who doesn’t suffer from foot-in-mouth disease. It that too much to ask?
Alex Fornet can be reached at [email protected]
