Mayor LaToya Cantrell continues to defend her communications director amid the city council's attempt to fire him.
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In fact, Cantrell says the effort to oust Gregory Joseph is a distraction from real issues facing the city.
During her weekly media briefing, Mayor LaToya Cantrell said the concerns she's hearing from the public deal with crime and the ongoing saltwater crisis. Cantrell urged the city council to direct its attention to matters other than Joseph.
"When you mention what people are talking about, what people are worried about, and what they're concerned about, it's not my communications director," Cantrell said. "At a time like this, we need to be focused on effectively communicating what our people want to hear about."
When asked if Joseph should have attended Tuesday's city council hearing to discuss his future in city government, Cantrell remained defiant.
"Gregory Joseph and all city employees definitely show up every single day," Cantrell responded. "He will continue to show up to do the work--the work of this administration--particularly at a time such as now moving through the crises in terms of water."
Cantrell also implied the city council shows a lack of respect towards members of her administration and other city employees.
"As it relates to respect: I believe city employees deserve to be respected every single day. Respect is due a dog, and the only dogs we have are part of our K9 (unit) and even those we've embraced with EMS."