All articles tagged with #mayor latoya cantrell
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell missed a deadline to return the keys and clear her belongings from the Pontalba Apartment, facing eviction proceedings as a result. The mayor's office denied delaying the transition and stated that the apartment has not been in use. Cantrell is also set to attend an invite-only election-themed event in Washington D.C. alongside other mayors and global figures.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans suggested that investigations against her may be driven by race, stating that targeting Black leadership appears to be prevalent. Cantrell, a Democrat, addressed ongoing federal investigations against her for ethical violations during a press conference. The Louisiana Board of Ethics accused Cantrell of upgrading to first-class on city-funded flight tickets, which violates state law and city travel policy. Cantrell argued that the COVID-19 threat and security concerns justified her actions. She expressed uncertainty about the specific charges and stated that she will comply but is not in favor of them. Cantrell previously faced a failed recall effort in 2022.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been hit with ethics charges by the Louisiana Board of Ethics for allegedly violating state ethics law by accepting first-class flight upgrades. The charges state that Cantrell received nearly $29,000 in upgrades, which were not in compliance with the City of New Orleans Travel Policy. Cantrell initially refused to reimburse the city, claiming the upgrades were for her health and safety, but eventually repaid the full amount. The Ethics Adjudicatory Board will now review the case and could censure or fine Cantrell up to $10,000 for the alleged violations.
The City Council has charged Mayor LaToya Cantrell's communications director, Gregory Joseph, with incompetence, neglect of duty, and gross misconduct after an investigation found that he violated city and state laws by using public funds to promote Cantrell during a recall campaign. Council President JP Morrell accused Joseph of giving false testimony under oath. A public hearing to consider Joseph's removal is scheduled for October 3. Cantrell has expressed support for Joseph, but he could be dismissed or suspended with a majority vote from the council. This is the first time in recent memory that the council has sought to remove a city official under its charter authority.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell has nominated Anne Kirkpatrick, former police chief of Oakland and Spokane, as the permanent police chief of New Orleans. Kirkpatrick's nomination comes after a secretive search process led by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. If confirmed by the City Council, Kirkpatrick will lead the New Orleans Police Department and work towards improving public safety in the city. The nomination is seen as a blow to interim Superintendent Michelle Woodfork, who had been serving as interim chief. Kirkpatrick's previous tenure in Oakland was marked by controversy and criticism over her handling of discipline and police reform.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has vetoed an ordinance to remove her access to the Upper Pontalba apartment, stating that it is "shameful" the city does not have a suite in the Superdome and Smoothie King Center. Cantrell criticizes the City Council's decision to place the apartment back into commerce and argues that her usage of the apartment is consistent with other elected officials' use of state-owned properties. The future usage of the apartment will now be determined by the French Market Corporation.
Jason Cantrell, the husband of New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, has passed away. He was a devoted husband, father, and public servant who served as an attorney and worked in the city attorney's office. The cause and time of his death were not disclosed. Condolences have been expressed by city officials, including the New Orleans City Council and the New Orleans Police Department. The owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans also offered their condolences.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is asking David Franklin, a semifinalist who dropped out of consideration for the police chief position, to reconsider and participate in a final interview. Franklin had received serious consideration from Cantrell but withdrew his application. The other finalists for the position include Thedrick Andres Sr., Anne Kirkpatrick, and interim Chief Michelle Woodfork. Cantrell has not set a timeline for completing the finalist interviews, but the chosen candidate will need confirmation from the New Orleans City Council.
Women in New Orleans are fearful of leaving their homes alone at night amid the city's violent crime surge, according to a long-time resident. New Orleans has seen a dramatic spike in violent crime over the past few years, with the most homicides per capita among major US cities in September 2023. Carjackings and armed robberies have also skyrocketed, and more than 50 people have been killed in the city since the start of the year. A recall campaign against Mayor LaToya Cantrell was launched in response to the city's many problems, including the violent crime surge and crumbling infrastructure, but was squashed after falling short of the required number of signatures.
The campaign to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has failed to gather enough signatures to force a referendum on her leadership. Recall organizers collected 27,243 valid signatures, falling short of the nearly 45,000 needed to trigger a recall election. The final count could offer a boost for Cantrell, whose poll numbers have plummeted amid voter discontent over crime and other issues.
The effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has failed as the number of certified signatures fell about 18,000 shy of the required number. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards confirmed that there will not be a special election to recall Cantrell, saying the recall campaign produced 27,219 valid signatures on its petition, well short of the 44,976 needed. Cantrell issued a statement thanking New Orleans residents “for trusting in my leadership.” Recall organizers said they are “exploring all legal options” and vowed their fight to unseat Cantrell would continue.