Governor-elect Jeff Landry's committee on New Orleans had its much anticipated first meeting and Newell Normand had the chance to speak with Austin Badon, one of the members. He spoke about how the seemingly unlikely pairing of himself with Jeff Landry came about.
“I looked at the candidates and I called Jeff [Landry] and I asked for a one-on-one meeting. I was very impressed,” said Badon.
Badon also spoke about criticism he receives for his choice to join Landry instead of fight against him.
“I want the best person for the job in there. I don’t vote along party lines anymore,” said Badon.
Governor-elect Landry is a conservative Republican, leaving some in the state to feel they won't be properly represented under his leadership.
Austin Badon went straight at criticisms of Landry and what his position is on race and culture.
“I never got any impressions of race or gender. When we first met, he basically said that everybody is equal,” Badon said.
The former clerk of court also spoke about his personal dealings with Jeff Landry and said there has not been any indication that he was not respected.
“I’ve never encountered any type of racial undertones. If I did, I wouldn’t be there,” he said.