According to Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng, there’s a sense of renewed partnership between the parish she represents and neighboring Orleans Parish now that Mayor Helena Moreno has taken office.
“We’ve known each other for a long time and have had the occasion to be able to work on things together before. So, I’m really excited for her administration and I think the business community can see that our relationship is very real and that just benefits the whole region when the mayor and parish president are pulling for one another,” Sheng explained.
The Jefferson Parish President notes that she talks to the mayor frequently and they often share advice from a place of mutual respect. “She’s someone who isn’t afraid of the work. She’s not afraid to learn something and would freely call when she was on the city council and ask how we do things. I’ve always admired that in her. She’s not afraid to do the work to get to know the issue better and she’s also not afraid to make a decision,” Sheng went on to say.
Sheng is term-limited and only has two more years left in office. She says that’s all the more reason to match Moreno’s high-energy pace to get as much done as possible within that time.
“Sometimes she gets criticized for going fast and she really does go fast. A lot of things have happened quickly in her administration and I say ‘GO’ because I only have less than two years left in office. Things take longer than many people think they do and you only have a limited time in office to get things done, and she wants to get a lot done. So, I’m really happy for her administration,” notes Sheng.
Sheng emphasized the redevelopment of West End as a particular point of emphasis for both herself and Moreno, saying it will be mutually beneficial for Orleans and Jefferson parishes. While talks have mostly languished for years, the Moreno administration was quick to take action. Sheng was especially impressed when, within one week of taking office, Mayor Moreno was able to walk away from a single meeting, including all parties involved with a deal in hand for the redevelopment of West End.
"That was a big sign to us that she really wants to make things happen," added the Jefferson Parish President.
The Moreno administration has brought a sense of optimism to neighboring Jefferson Parish's leadership as well
