New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell called a news conference Wednesday evening to break her silence on her appearance with the family of a juvenile convicted of carjacking two women in New Orleans, as the youngster heard his sentence -- three years probation.
"That was my way of supporting this young person that was required to participate in a program that the city of New Orleans has created and is funding," Cantrell said.
"I do not regret supporting a young person that has demonstrated that they are willing to make better decisions," Cantrell insisted. She noted that the program to help criminal youth turn their lives around is a success.
"Eighty-eight percent of the young people that we service through Pathways stay on the right track, stay on the right path; and you can't tell me that doesn't have a positive impact on the streets of New Orleans."
The mayor said support convicted juveniles efforts to improve themselves pays off.
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Cantrell refutes the notion that she chose the carjacker over the victim in this case, and explained she has attended other proceedings in support of trouble youth who attend the program.
"It's not picking a side. I didn't pick a side."
The victims in the carjacking have been wondering for days why the mayor chose to do this.
"Where are you in this? Where do you stand in this?" asked Stephanie, one of the victims, who appeared on WWL First News with Tommy Tucker on Wednesday morning.
Stephanie says she has since moved from New Orleans to Jefferson Parish because of the crime.
The other victim, Madison, has also moved to Jefferson and said it now appears to her that the mayor cares more about criminal perpetrators than the victims.
"If she's on the side of crime, what does that mean for the next three years?" Madison asked.
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Cantrell has also been widely chided for spending big bucks on overseas trips with high air fares and pricey hotels.
"It is my job. I will continue to do my job," the mayor insisted.
She says she is the top ambassador for New Orleans and tourism.
"I will continue to grow and drive our economy in the right direction."
She was specifically asked about her business class plane ticket and luxury hotel expenses during a trip to Paris.
"You're talking about France, that is embedded in the fabric of the history of this city," Cantrell replied.
Six times she said, "You're talking about France," in explaining why her trip cost so much.
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