Mayoral candidates discuss New Orleans water plans during UNO forum

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The UNO mayor’s forum began with the moderator asking how the candidates plan to work alongside local environmental groups who have led much of the work over the past 20 years.

Councilwoman Helena Moreno responded by pointing to how senator Mary Landrieu teamed up with organizations “Women of the Storm” and “Citizens for One” in Washington D.C. following Hurricane Katrina.

“That is the kind of partnership that is necessary between advocates and leaders to ensure that we get the federal and state resources necessary,” Moreno said.

They were then asked what kind of plans they have as mayor to improve storm water and drainage governance beyond funding needs.

Councilman Oliver Thomas said it starts with building upon past mistakes.

“If you’re familiar with Broadmoor, you wouldn’t want one side of Napoleon six feet higher than one side and tilting water into one part of the area; so we’re going to have to teach folks on how to construct and how to build,” Thomas said.

The candidates were then asked how they plan to engage with officials in other parishes to develop long-term solutions to challenges such as the current saltwater intrusion.

State Senator Royce Duplessis says it’s about coming together as a community.

“Everything that we’re going to have to do, especially as it has to do with this salt water intrusion piece, we’re going to have to speak with one voice,” Duplessis said.

The candidates were then asked how they plan to work with state and federal agencies towards a healthy Mississippi river delta.

“We’ve got to think outside the box. We’ve got to think of every avenue. We’ve got to employ those individuals, those ecologists, those environmental specialists, those engineers, those planners, those dreamers to make that a reality,” mayoral candidate Frank Janusa said.

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