Facing a political party adversary, who happens to be an ambitious politician, hoping to be the next Louisiana governor, is not the way that New Orleans Mayor-elect, LaToya Cantrell, wants to spend the next six month as she pieces together her transition team and ultimately her city government staff-- until she gets sworn in as New Orleans Mayor, May 2017.

There is a cloud hanging over the head of the New Orleans Mayor-Elect LaToya Cantrell. In the campaign, she was criticized for her questionable and frequent use of a city credit card. In total, Cantrell spent $107,000 on her city-issued credit card since 2013. This was the highest total among the seven New Orleans city council members. Of that amount, Cantrell only reimbursed the city $9,000 for expenses that were deemed personal in nature. Even worse, approximately $4,000 was repaid right before she qualified for the Mayor’s race.  

In the world of politics, yesterday's competitor is today's friend.  Today Cedric Richmond, Congressman from the 2nd Congressional District, which includes New Orleans, addressed the House regarding the 300th anniversary of the city and the significant election of the first female to be mayor of that city.

Let’s face it. The optics don’t look good.

On Monday, it was announced that subpoenas were issued for records associated with incoming New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s ongoing city credit card controversy that could turn into a criminal matter. Meanwhile, outgoing Mayor Mitch Landrieu, with almost a half-year left to serve in his last year of eight years in that position, is visiting Paris France paid for by the city.  

Today on the Ringside Politics radio show (M-F, 7-11 am, WGSO 990-AM & www.Wgso.com) we conducted our annual listener poll, asking the audience who should be our “Turkey of the Year.”

The competition is always spirited for there are so many potential turkeys to consider in 2017. Previous winners have included former President Barack Obama, documentary filmmaker Michael Moore, former House Speakers Nancy Pelosi and John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, former Florida Governor Jeb! Bush, Ohio Governor John Kasich, U.S. Senator Lindsay Graham of South Carolina, former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, former New Orleans Mayor and current federal inmate Ray Nagin and former U.S. Congressman and recently released federal inmate William “Dollar Bill” Jefferson.

The endorsements continue to flow, one for Cantrell another for Charbonnet.

Last night, one of the leading organizations in New Orleans, The Alliance For Good Government endorsed LaToya Cantrell for New Orleans Mayor. During the general election, The Alliance backed Micahel Bagneris, who came in third place during the primary. Bagneris has also supported Cantrell for mayor over Desiree Charbonnet.

After Mayor Mitch Landrieu was in Aspen for the August 5th flood and in New York for the latest boil water alert, he made sure he was in New Orleans

Landrieu closes New Orleans due to Hurricane Nate

for the “perilous” Hurricane Nate. In preparation, the Mayor sent out breathless news releases about all of his emergency orders and held countless press conferences to let everyone know he was in charge. 

Should the New Orleans voters elect the Superintendent of Police similar to the way other large communities do, such as Jefferson Parish Sheriff or should the Mayor continue to select that person?

Prior to hosting a forum of the candidates for Mayor, VoicePac, the organization led by New Orleans business person, Sidney Torres announced its own findings.

How might  the New Orleans elections, particularly, the New Orleans Mayor’s race impact the upcoming Louisiana Treasurer’s race, with the elections being held the same day?

This is a question I asked Southern Media and Opinion Research’s President, pollster and political analyst Bernie Pinsonat earlier this week during a Facebook Live video discussion.

For months, the liberal news media has been championing New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu as a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2020. 

Landrieu was praised for his “courageous leadership” in taking down four Confederate monuments in New Orleans earlier this year. Never mind that it was an issue manufactured by Landrieu to create racial division and publicity. In the end, the monument removal cost $2.1 million dollars, precious dollars that were needed elsewhere.