Cash-strapped New Orleans has withdrawn its $110 million bond and loan request from the State Bond Commission. Mayor Helena Moreno says the city pulled the application because it would have been denied amid the ongoing political dispute. Tulane political science professor Mike Sherman says the relationship between New Orleans and the Landry Administration is not good.
“Things are still in the phase of getting worse, the conflict getting defined, post-criminal indictment; and the cities have to find a way to work together. That’s not what the discussion is right now. The discussion is how the conflict is expanding,” Sherman explained.
In a statement, Mayor Moreno says the city has found another path to fund city services but warned there will be cuts and delays. She went on to say the state of Louisiana needs New Orleans just as much as New Orleans needs the state.
Landry responded by saying no one has done more for the city of New Orleans than him, but he will not allow New Orleans to utilize the state as an ATM.
Sherman says eventually the political war of words will come to an end.
“When the time comes, it will be the mayor and it will be the governor coming together, but the table has to be set for both to pursue that off-ramp,” Sherman noted.
In May, Governor Landry and New Orleans officials did not see eye-to-eye on a new state law that combined the city’s criminal and civil courts. The conflict grew last week when an Orleans Parish Grand Jury indicted Attorney General Liz Murrill on accusations she violated state law by publicly threatening the mayor, city council members and district attorney Jason Williams.
The Louisiana Supreme Court issued an emergency stay on the indictment and it’s possible the indictment will eventually be dismissed. The governor has ordered State Police to investigate to see the grand jury committed any improprieties in handing down an indictment against Murrill.
Sherman says the state’s dispute with New Orleans will likely not end until Murrill is exonerated and someone takes the fall for the indictment of Murrill.
“I think that’s the path we’re on; it’s not a pleasant one. But I do see that as the off-ramp being the state getting its pound of flesh. When that happens, then I think the table will be set for a coming-together,” Sherman said.
Moreno says she would like to meet with Governor Landry face to face to talk about the city’s finances.
This was the mayor’s response as of Friday afternoon.
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