Newell Normand, a WWL host, former sheriff and arch-critic of Mayor LaToya Cantrell, wasn't having it on Tuesday, unleashing at city government after the New Orleans City Council delayed a vote on the termination of Cantrell's spokesperson Gregory Joseph.
The vote was postponed because Joseph did not appear at a special meeting the City Council convened to determine his fate.
The council on Sept. 12 had formally charged Joseph with "incompetence, neglect of duty and gross misconduct" in relation to taxpayer funded pamphlets he sent during the recall effort against his boss.
Joseph was scheduled to defend himself to the council before they voted on whether or not to terminate him; But he didn't show up. And so the vote was postponed.
"This is just another arrogant individual that works for an arrogant administration that continues to flip off everyone...the forum, you as voters and everyone else. I don't know about you, but I think people are growing increasingly tired of the manner in which this administration conducts itself. In an unprofessional manner. Not giving the forum the respect that it's due and just trying to completely and totally manipulate the system."
City attorney Donesia Turner appeared on behalf of Cantrell and Joseph and requested a two-week delay to give Joseph more time to get an attorney. Council members unanimously agreed.
For his part, Normand made it clear the problem doesn't stem entirely from Joseph, nor does it begin and end with him.
Newell summed it up this way: "This mayor doesn't care. She doesn't care about you. She doesn't care about the system. She only cares about herself."
The vote will now be held Oct. 17.