By Deon Roberts, Online Editor
Mayor Nagin isn’t enjoying his job these days, according to comments recently reported by the media.
In a Wednesday interview, Nagin declined to say whether he would stick out the rest of his term, according to the Associated Press. However, Nagin said he was focused on the job of being mayor, the AP reported.
In a July 12 story by the AP, Nagin, during a July 7 meeting on housing, reportedly used terms like “thankless work” to describe his job. Nagin also said he said he was “getting worn out” but still plans to push ahead, the AP reported.
So, what are Nagin’s plans? What’s he thinking?
He was re-elected only last year. Yet, based on recent fundraising, it is clear he is considering his next move
For example, on July 11 Nagin was in Kansas City, Mo., raising funds for his unknown political future. According to the Kansas City Star, Nagin said the main purpose of his trip was to thank Walton Construction Co., Black & Veatch and other firms for services they provided after Katrina. Then, that evening, he attended a fundraiser.
The political landscape presents some interesting possibilities for Nagin to ponder.
There’s the Louisiana governor’s race this fall. There’s the seat of Rep. William Jefferson, D-New Orleans, who will face re-election next year. Then there is the post of Sen. David Vitter, R-Metairie, who is ensnarled in controversy following news that his name is linked to the “D.C. Madam.”
If Nagin resigns as mayor to pursue another post, he has to consider this: His core support likely resides in New Orleans, and those votes would be crucial in an election, especially if he makes a run for governor.
But would New Orleanians vote for Nagin if he abandoned his job as mayor and ran for another office? Would they view Nagin as an opportunist who is putting his political career ahead of the people who re-elected him?
Regardless of which career path Nagin takes, his recent comments, if true, are troubling. No one in post-K New Orleans needs to hear the mayor say he is “getting worn out.” After all, no one forced him to seek re-election.
3 responses so far ↓
Anonymous // Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at 9:41 pm |
It was obvious in Nagin’s State of the City speech that he was in “campaign mode.” We just don’t know yet which position it will be. I think many people in the city already feel abandoned at heart by Nagin. In the early part of Nagin’s first term, I never thought he would be the sort to resign a post to seek greener pastures; however, in the last year, that seems a real possibility.
Jolene Gordon, New Orleans
Christopher Bairnsfather // Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 7:19 pm |
Everyone in our community should know what the Mayor is doing at any given time. If not he must have something to hide! He holds a PUBLIC office. Personally I think the Mayor is a lame duck and that he has zero power to get anything accomplished. The people of this community have re-built it, not the Mayor and his lack luster ideas. Simply put, he is ignorant as a Mayor and a politician. His credibility has been overwhelmed by his own racism and ignorance of what this community wants and needs. I have yet to see any progress the Mayor of the city of New Orleans can directly claim or align himself with. He consistently plays the color card every time someone points to these flaws. It’s never the Mayor to blame. It’s the rainbow colored coalition that blocks him and his every move. Get over your ignorance Mr. Mayor. Think about this community when you are sleeping comfortably in you new Houston home.
A New Orleans and Louisiana Blog About Politics, Culture, Arts, Lifestlyes and Recovery. // Monday, August 18, 2008 at 5:42 pm |
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