With New Orleans’ new mayor, full City Council, and key leadership positions now in place, political watchers are asking whether this incoming group will work together more smoothly as they confront a major budget shortfall and the possibility of deep cuts across city services.
Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says cooperation isn’t optional.
“They’d better,” Pinsonat said bluntly. “They really don’t have a choice. These problems cannot be allowed to fester.”
Despite the difficult financial landscape, Pinsonat says the city is starting this new term with something positive; a stronger foundation of trust than in years past.
“This is the best good faith with which a mayor and council has taken seat in a very long time,” he said. “There are enough folks who are experienced and who have worked together in some capacity, so while the decisions won’t be easy, the working relationship to make those decisions should be.”
Pinsonat says the public will play a major role in how successful this new leadership becomes. Maintaining community support, he says, will depend on how open and forward-thinking city leaders choose to be.
“To keep the people on their side, they will have to stay very transparent and speak from a proactive, not reactive, place.”
With major budget decisions looming, Pinsonat says harmony among city leaders and trust among the public will be essential as New Orleans moves into its next chapter.