It’s a new day in New Orleans today as former TV reporter, state lawmaker and city councilwoman Helena Moreno is sworn in as the new mayor of New Orleans. UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak says Moreno faces challenges right away, including a $222 million budget deficit. Chervenak says Moreno will also focus on improving the functions of city government.
“Revamping safety and permits, so making that department, easier to navigate, because that’s the way that we’re able to recruit new businesses. We need to breathe life into the economy here in New Orleans,” Chervenak said.
Moreno replaces LaToya Cantrell, who served eight years as New Orleans’ mayor. During her second term in office, Cantrell was involved in several controversies, including a failed recall effort, and she leaves office under federal indictment on fraud charges. Chervenak says Moreno will have a honeymoon period.
“Turning this city around is like turning an aircraft carrier around. It takes time. And so I think people are willing to give her the benefit of the doubt, to give her the time. But they’re going to need to see results within about three to six months,” Chervenak said.
Chervenak says a major metric to determine if Moreno’s administration is successful is if she’s able to stem the flow of people leaving the city.
“I think one of the basic metrics that will be used to measure her success is people are not leaving the city, that actually, the population is growing,” Chervenak noted.
The inauguration is at 9 a.m.