Louisiana Weekly Speaks

Will the voters listen?

When both New Orleans, in particular, and Louisiana in general need a spokesman in Washington capable of delivering a plan that will bring us the billions this city needs to rebuild our levees, streets, homes, schools, electrical systems, governmental centers, and business infrastructure, Mr. Nagin has not been effective.

And if we are realistic, amongst African-Americans, Mr. Nagin has developed an equally ineffectual air, deserved or undeserved. Which is why this newspaper cannot join those voices in the Black Community that call for unified support on racial grounds. For decades, the Weekly has argued that the color of one's skin should not determine his opportunities. Now, many friends of this publication would effectively have us back away from that stand-on the sole grounds that the Mayor is Black.

Many of those who now support Mayor Nagin told our editorial board members prior to the storm that he did not represent the African-American community at all. They complained about his policies and his administration of the city.

Now they are supporting Mr. Nagin due simply to the color of his skin. Instead, we choose to ask who can do the best job for the African-American community, and for all the communities, of our city and our state.

For Mayor: Mitch Landrieu

The outpouring of support from Republicans and Democrats across the ethnic divide prove what this newspaper asserted prior to the primary, there is only one candidate who can bring Black and White together --Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu.

His voting record holds closer to African-American issues than any candidate in the race; moreover, his economic development record at the Department of Recreation and Tourism has won him support in the business community, and among conservative leaders who rarely back a Democrat, much less a Landrieu.

All signs point to these words falling largely upon deaf ears this Saturday. Later this week, I'll talk more about why.