New Orleans Times Picayune Endorses Lt. Gov. Landrieu

Today, in an editorial published following last night's heated mayoral debate, the New Orleans Times Picayune endorsed Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu in that city's first post-Katrina mayoral election. This, I believe, is big news. Furthermore, while I'm not overly impressed by Landrieu, I must concur with the paper's assessment. The incumbent, Mayor Ray "chocolate city" Nagin has consistently failed his city. Electing Landrieu will not guarantee better management and governing in that devastated city; however, it will send a clear message that the citizens of New Orleans want to truly start anew. Again, I concur with the Times Picayune: Nagin must go.

Here's some of what the Times Picayune had to say:

No single elected official can solve all the city's problems. But the recovery does depend on having a mayor who can bring people together and get things done. Voters need to consider these questions: Which candidate can better marshal the outside resources to pay for the city's recovery? Who can manage City Hall at a time when money is short but the need for services is greater than ever? Who will put New Orleans in a position to take care of itself in the future?

Mitch Landrieu is the better candidate for this difficult job. His ability to unite New Orleanians across economic and racial lines will be a salve for a city whose residents are scattered far and wide. And his intimate knowledge of the mechanics of government and the political system will be an asset. [...]

In short, Mr. Nagin is an honest man who has kept the best interests of the city at heart, and the lack of major scandals within his administration is a great credit to him.

But while the mayor's disdain for political intrigue is fully justified, his aversion to the give-and-take of governing has proved a liability. From the start, Mr. Nagin has been unable to turn his larger ideas into realities. He has trouble communicating clearly with other officials and the public, and he has shown little ability to form and retain a team of talented managers.

The gap between the mayor's vision and his ability to execute has only grown since Katrina. His Bring New Orleans Back Commission crafted a nuanced proposal to guide the rebuilding of the city, but the mayor failed to embrace its most important provisions. New Orleanians want answers, but Mr. Nagin has left many people scratching their heads.

Mr. Nagin does enjoy a good relationship with President Bush, and that has helped yield major federal aid for the city. But other relationships appear strained or nonexistent. New Orleans cannot afford to go it alone, as Ray Nagin has often done. [...]

Still, Mr. Landrieu's considerable strengths outweigh his weaknesses. New Orleans needs a mayor with innate political sense and a firm, reassuring manner. Mr. Landrieu is blessed with both. He has a knack for stating the city's urgent case and inspiring others to action.

Right now thousands of damaged homes in New Orleans have FEMA trailers parked out front. At stores and restaurants, handmade posters announce longer hours as customers and employees trickle back. These are hopeful signs. Despite huge losses, despite the risks of future storms, despite mixed signals from elected leaders, New Orleanians are casting their lot with the city they love.

In Saturday's election, voters are fortunate to have a choice between two candidates of good character. But one has the better disposition and drive to rally New Orleanians to their city's cause. Mitch Landrieu is that candidate.

While I do not live in New Orleans, I have a friend at Tulane. His descriptions of the situation on the ground coupled with media accounts have convinced me that the city needs new leadership.

A quick not on last night's debate, which was televised nationally on MSNBC. Most of the questioning was appropriate. However, questions about immigration and whether or not either candidate would support Hillary Clinton for president were absurdly inappropriate. What's worse, each candidate answered the Clinton question. This was a missed opportunity for both candidates--each candidate would've been better served to refuse to answer such a question while the city has such historic problems to deal with. Sen. Clinton's political aspirations are certainly far from the minds of last night's most important demographic--the people of New Orleans, especially those that are dispersed throughout the nation.