Mitch fatigue

A couple weeks ago, there was a telephone poll asking people if they might support a third term of Mitch at City Hall.  It seemed weird since nobody affiliated with the mayor seems to think he's entertaining the notion.  Anyway, here's why it happened.

Tony Licciardi, a doctoral candidate in political science at the University of New Orleans, conducted the survey of 657 voters by automated calls Dec. 13, four days before the New Orleans City Council voted 6-1 to take down four Confederate monuments.

Licciardi said the poll was aimed at gathering information for his own research, which includes studying the differences between the preferences of those who vote early and those who cast their ballots on election day. He said the questions were drafted based on interesting topics that were under discussion at the time.

Anyway, it turns out nobody wants Mitch to try for a third term.  

Voters appear to be happy with that restriction. Only 32 percent of the people surveyed said they would support a measure allowing for three-term mayors, with 49 percent in opposition.

There was also this bit which I'm sure will probably get attention.

The poll also found that only 34 percent of voters support “removing Civil War memorial statues in New Orleans from their current locations,” with 43 percent opposed.

Recall, however, that during the Civil Rights movement, proponents of continued segregation continually pointed to public opinion polls favoring their point of view and made a favorite talking point out of demanding that the entire question be put to a vote.  This is why at least one speaker during the lengthy public comment period reminded councilmembers of the following quotation.

"Atticus, you must be wrong...."

"How's that?"

"Well, most folks seem to think they're right and you're wrong...."

"They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions," said Atticus, "but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."