The president of the New Orleans City Council wants to bring public pressure down on the mayor's office for more concrete action to curb crime. New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno says she is just not seeing action from Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and she's calling on the public to make their voices heard.
"This council is only going to get louder and bolder," Moreno said. "We need the public to also be loud and demand this type of action."
Moreno says that's part of what it will take to shake the administration into action on the city's soaring violent crime, but they can't do it alone.
"We must, must push for things to happen," she said.
Moreno said despite the city council approving money for specific crime-fighting plans, like a cooperative endeavor agreement with the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation to improve police recruiting, nothing has actually happened.
"That money hasn't gone out the door," Moreno said, "The CEA has not been executed."
Moreno says the council and the public cannot be satisfied with words from Mayor LaToya Cantrell or Police Chief Shaun Ferguson, they need to see action -- and results.
"If funds are allocated, then funds need to go right out the door," Moreno said. "If this really is a high priority for the administration and for the chief, then show us, not just with statements, but show us with action."
