Residents of New Orleans perceive crime as out of control in their fair city. They are repulsed by the shootings and car jackings that now plague the city almost daily. However, strangely, their abhorrence of crime seems to take a back seat regarding ‘white collar’ crime as it relates to elected city officials.
They overwhelmingly elected a D.A. that allegedly committed tax fraud. And now his law partner is accused of Medicaid fraud. N.O. ‘s mayor not only had ethical questions raised about her use of a city credit card while serving on the city council , but also had federal tax obligations resulting in liens being placed on her home and other properties. More recently, questions have been raised regarding the mayor about possible improprieties regarding awarding a contract to expand internet services within the city.
And let’s not forget the recently elected city council member who served time for taking bribes and kickbacks while previously serving on the council. He was also arrested for driving with a suspended driver’s license and having an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court regarding a traffic incident.
Granted, with the exception of the recently elected councilman’s brush with the law, the other city officials were not, or have yet to be, formally convicted of a crime. However, their behaviors all raise ‘red flags’ about their ethical beliefs regarding obeying the law.
And, contrary to popular belief in New Orleans, there are individuals in the city that have no suspicious behaviors associated with their pasts. Why not take a ‘bite out of crime,’ and elect these individuals to guide the city? Too progressive an idea for ‘the city that care forgot’?
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