The organizers of an effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell say they have enough signatures for the Secretary of State’s Office to schedule a recall vote. Cantrell’s latest controversy involves her flipping off a Mardi Gras float poking fun at allegations she had an affair with a New Orleans Police officer assigned to her personal security detail.
The video, taken Saturday during the Krewe of Tucks parade, shows Cantrell shouting “I love you” to the float, then giving the “the finger.” Gambit political analyst Clancy DuBos says Tucks’ floats are often satirical, and this one did rib the mayor, but he says in politics, “if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.”
“Politicians at all levels are fair game for public comment; even public ridicule. Especially in something like a Mardi Gras parade,” DuBos noted.
Cantrell has taken heat lately for lavish travel upgrades at public expense, for the city's increase in homicides, and for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a police officer. DuBos feels the mayor’s digital display during the Tucks parade does nothing to help bolster her sinking approval with taxpayers, and was beneath her position.
“You’re expected to represent the city in a way that brings honor to the city and dignity to the office,” DuBos said.
The mayor’s office released a statement saying the incident was “all in good fun”, but DuBos says her taste and timing is bad as petitioners to recall Cantrell announce they have the 49,000 signatures needed to get a recall election. They’ll hand those in tomorrow.
Dubos says Cantrell’s behavior is exactly what not to do when a recall is afoot.
“Anyone who wants to add their name to, or remove their name from the petition has five additional working days to do that,” DuBos said. “This thing is only going to inspire moreE people to sign the petition.”
