The Elections in New Orleans

Most of you have heard about the elections going on in New Orleans. The election was scheduled for February but due to the after effects of the horrific hurricanes it was put off until April. I have been reading about the elections. Black political leaders are claiming the federal government is not doing enough to help displaced survivors vote. Many survivors are going to voting centers set up around the country to vote having little faith in absentee ballads. The whole situation is tense.


One of the questions I asked everyone that I came in contact with in New Orleans were their feelings for Mayor Nagin. I was surprised to learn that Mayor Nagin had the support of both white and black constituents. People seem to feel that under the circumstances Mayor Nagin did the best he could especially since he didn't have adequate support from FEMA or the federal government.

I also asked about the plan Mayor Nagin has released that he feels will help the citizens of New Orleans. Some people weren't familiar with all aspects of the document but they felt it was a start. The local television stations showcased the various forums allowing people to comment about the plans. It definitely encouraged discussion and at times heated debate.

I admire Mayor Nagin for sticking by the citizens of New Orleans and not giving up on the city. A hurricane as horrific and destructive as Katrina and then Rita don't come around often (Thank God) and under the circumstances Mayor Nagin did the best he could with the resources he had. There was a lot of talks that I heard regarding the idea that the federal government knew about the hurricane but didn't act. There was talk about a released tape showing the president and aid being briefed about this tragic event. I am not sure that this is true but I did see the condition of the houses and where people stayed for days without water, food and light. It is unbelievable that people were forced to live like that for days without help.

I heard the stories of how people were afraid and slept outside waiting for help. It was the worst feeling to feel that you have been forgotten, betrayed in a place that you call home. The only thing we can do now about that is to learn and put into action a plan so this never happens again. Mayor Nagin is taking a positive step on the local level to protect his city but change has to come from the federal government and I pray that something positive will come out of all the suffering and death.