The City Council focused on its public-safety budget today, scrutinizing the money it spends on its police and fire departments, ambulance, and emergency preparedness.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Opinion
Kiss prejudices goodbye
National attitudes are shifting on a particular set of issues, representing a long-term trend that will continue for generations — and this may coincide with the “Kiss Cam” barrier being broken.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Thousands arrested needlessly on warrants; Serpas makes pledge to end NOPD policy
The New Orleans Police Department arrested 20,000 people needlessly on warrants last year at a cost to taxpayers of almost $2 million, said Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas at a City Council budget hearing this morning.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
Council pushes for openness in criminal-justice operations
The City Council held the first of three budget hearings on public safety today, with Councilwoman Susan Guidry leading a charge for more openness and efficiency in the system.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Land Use
Focus of Lens story gets demolished
The demolition of the Parc Brittney condo complex came after The Lens reported exposed the poorly performing nonprofit that owns most of it.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
Smaller jail, revamped funding recommended by consultant
Mayor Mitch Landrieu may consider paying Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman a flat fee to keep city inmates in his jail, rather than the current daily-rate arrangement which a consultant said only encourages more incarceration.
Posted inLand Use
City begins “BlightStat”
The city inaugurated a blight-tracking program today, bringing together several city departments to share myriad statistics with each other and the public.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
New coalition wants small jail
Anticipating a draft report this afternoon on the appropriate size of a new city jail, a coalition of smaller-jail advocates have renewed the call for an 850-bed jail in line with national averages.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council questions why budget doesn’t include new planners
Amid an otherwise placid budget hearing, City Council members Wednesday challenged Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s decision to withhold money for urban planners at a time when his administration is anticipating major rebuilding. The mayor’s proposed 2011 budget recommends $1.2 million for the City Planning Commission. That budget represents a slight drop from this year’s budget of […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
No contest: Sheriff snags ankle-monitoring contract
In an unusual move, Mayor Mitch Landrieu awarded Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman a contract in October for more than Gusman originally bid – and for more than the lowest bidder for the same deal.