UPDATE: Mayor Latoya Cantrell released a statement responding to the City Council's override of her veto of an ordinance allowing voters to decide whether the council should have approval authority over her leadership appointments to departments like NOPD and Public Works.
“Today, the New Orleans City Council voted to override my veto. This was a vote against a more effective process for reviewing the Charter,” said Mayor Cantrell. “This hurts the residents of New Orleans, making it more difficult for them to formulate a more informed decision once it’s on the ballot.”
“I acknowledge the City Council for hearing my call to engage the community as a part of this vital civic process. I encourage the City Council to work with my administration to collectively focus on what matters most --- serving the residents by filing a motion to establish a New Orleans Home Rule Charter Commission. As I mentioned Tuesday, we must meet the people where they are and allow their voices to be heard. We must give the people of New Orleans an opportunity to become more educated on the Charter.”
“This is what our residents elected us to do. Now is the time to move past the rhetoric and focus our attention, as duly elected officials, on improving City services and enhancing the quality of life in our city. I welcome the opportunity to join with the City Council to ride a path of crucial civic consultation and allow the experts to conduct a full and thorough review of the Charter through a public engagement process.”
ORIGINAL STORY: The New Orleans City Council today voted to override Mayor LaToya Cantrell's veto of a charter referendum to give the council power to confirm mayoral appointments of certain department heads.
The 5-2 vote picked up one vote on each side from the original 4-1 vote that the mayor vetoed. District E member Oliver Thomas joined District D's Eugene Green in opposition, while the supporters picked up District C councilmember Freddie King.
The votes in favor of the override came from at-large members Helena Moreno and J.P. Morrell, District A member Joe Giarrusso, District B member Lesli Harris, and King.
Comments from the public raised concerns that the council was trying to usurp the mayor's power, and the will of the voters who reelected her.
"Here today, someone with a power play wants to go against the mayoral administration," said one opponent of the override.
But other members of the public wanted the council to send the matter to the voters.
"She cannot be trusted!" a supporter of the override implored the council. "The city council represents the people!"
Council vice president Morrell, who was leading the charter referendum push in the council took issue with claims that the council was engaged in a power grab.
"To be clear: what is before us today is a measure to let the people of New Orleans decide what's best for them." said Morrell.
The voters of New Orleans will have final say in November.
