New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has spoken out about the seizure of a laptop computer from a city hall aid who reportedly consulted with the company that ultimately won the contract to roll out the ‘Smart Cities’ affordable internet program.
In speaking with WWL-TV, Cantrell was conciliatory and even agreeable to the Office of the Inspector General taking an interest in the matter:
“Who could be against an investigation relevant to those things that are under the purview of the Office of the Inspector General? No problem with that," Cantrell said. "However, there does seem to be a problem with proper protocol, procedures, being followed by a current OIG, but that will be reviewed as it is now with the city attorney, but at the end of the day we will be cooperative.”
The now tabled contract was designed to provide low cost broadband wifi and internet to the city of New Orleans for those who couldn’t afford it.
At least two investigations are underway looking at two high ranking persons on the project and their consulting ties to the company that won the contract to provide the internet.
Both the City Council and the Inspector General are investigating Utilities Director Jonathan Rhodes and IT staffer Christopher Wolfe. The OIG seized Wolfe’s laptop and the City Council has subpoenaed both men to appear before the council.
