Governor-elect Jeff Landry says it's not yet time to visit with New Orleans city leaders about his plans to solve the city's crime problem and other issues facing it.
During a news conference in Lafayette on Wednesday, Landry said he wants his transition committee dedicated to the Crescent City to find solutions before he meets with Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
"I want to let that commission--that committee--do its business, and then we'll be visiting with those leaders," Landry said. "I think that it's a bit premature to visit with them yet, but we are working on a plan."
Mayor Cantrell says she has no problem with that approach.
"I think his timeline is something that he has to put together based on the state of Louisiana," Cantrell said. "I think with the city of New Orleans being a laser focus, again, it's something that I welcome and something that I appreciate, and most importantly, what I love is that the governor-elect is focused on solutions."
Cantrell went further, doubling down on the public support she gave Landry last week.
"That's what we're talking about here: bringing people together to focus on the city of New Orleans, being solutions driven, and wanting to meet with the administration and city leaders," Cantrell said. "Again, I think it's the right approach and a step in the right direction."
Landry says he's looking forward to the day that he can meet with Cantrell and other New Orleans municipal officials.
"I like to go visit with someone or the mayor or any of those city council members when I have a solution to the problems as we see it," Landry said. "We want to identify those problems because you can't offer solutions until you've accurately identified the problem. We intend to work with them and anyone else who wants to help us fix the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana."
Landry noted that he has met with at least one New Orleans city council member, but he didn't say which council member(s) with whom he has met.
