The French Quarter Management District says it's ready to proceed with IV Waste as its sanitation provider. That's because they're banking on state judges to invalidate Mayor LaToya Cantrell's emergency declaration and emergency contract with Henry Consulting. The city of New Orleans's trash contract with IV Waste is set to expire on Thursday, but the Louisiana Supreme Court could step in between now and then.
"It is my understanding that the Supreme Court is taking a look at the situation," Jane Cooper, Chair of the French Quarter Management District, said.
Cooper says the court could rule by Friday whether Mayor LaToya Cantrell's emergency order granting a sanitation contract to Henry Consulting is legal. Cooper believes the Henry Contract is illegal and invalid. Based on that, she believes IV Waste will continue to collect garbage in the French Quarter.
"Our council and our board believe that there is not a legally-enforceable contract in place," Cooper said. "We believe our vote is a solid vote for IV Waste to be the emergency sanitation vendor come August 1."
According to Cooper, Mayor Cantrell's push for Henry Consulting not only goes against the wishes of French Quarter residents, it also will cost taxpayers more money.
"You've got a vendor, IV Waste, that's supported by all the businesses (and) all the residents. It doesn't matter what political party you support. It doesn't matter whether you live in a big house or a small house. Everybody supports that vendor," Cooper said. "The mayor is recommending a vendor that is going to be $2.1 million more expensive for fewer services. I think it's very interesting and very unfortunate."
Attorney General Liz Murrill has submitted an amicus curiae brief in support of the French Quarter business owner suing Mayor Cantrell over the order. In that brief, Murrill accuses the mayor of abusing the emergency powers granted to her by state law.
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