New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell today responded to recent comments by Interim Police Chief Michelle Woodfork about the search for the next NOPD Superintendent.
"As far as being a candidate for the permanent superintendent, I'm the shoo-in," Woodfork said earlier this month.
"Right now, I feel like I've won already."
Cantrell faced reporters’ questions today for the first time since those statements.
"There is no shoo-in for anyone," the mayor insisted. "I have made sure I am conducting a very fair process and giving candidates who want to lead the New Orleans Police Department a fair opportunity and a fair shake."
She said that applies to Woodfork as well.
Critics have said that Cantrell reluctantly conducted a national search for a new chief after facing pressure to consider a wide field of candidates after she selected Woodfork as the interim.
Woodfork made the case that she has proven she was the right choice for interim and to get the job going forward.
"I think as interim superintendent, I have proven that I am the person for the job," Woodfork told reporters at an NOPD recruiting event. "I have community support. I have so much support from the men and women in the New Orleans Police Department, and I am doing the job.
