Mayor Mitch Landrieu said today the total number of beds in a new jail is still up for debate, despite a firm recommendation for a specific size from a working group run by his chief aide.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Landrieu privately negotiated for new property tax increase
If the City Council ratifies a tax increase Saturday that members privately negotiated with Mayor Mitch Landrieu, it will take one of the final actions needed to produce a balanced 2011 budget.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
BESE member to seek revote on RSD returning schools
Hours after the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved Superintendent Paul Pastorek’s to let Recovery School District campuses consider a return to local control, one board member said that she plans to introduce a competing proposal at BESE’s next meeting.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Government & Politics
Despite recommendation by mayor’s group, Gusman wants to double jail size to 3,200
Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman has changed his position on work done by Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s Criminal Justice Working Group, saying he needs 1,800 more beds than the 1,438-bed facility recommended by the group.
Posted inInvestigations, Schools
RSD superintendent Vallas not working full schedule because of disaster work
RSD boss Paul Vallas is no regular school employee, and his reputation as a go-getter may cause one to think he’s worked more than expected. But it’s more like a fraction.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Council sets Saturday meeting to raise taxes another mill
The City Council voted six to one this morning to hold an extra meeting on Saturday at 10 a.m. in a dash to approve another property tax increase for the city’s 2011 budget, at the behest of Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
Posted inCriminal Justice
NOPD, district attorney want fewer marijuana arrests
Big hitters in the New Orleans criminal-justice world spoke this morning in favor of four ordinances aimed at reducing the number of people arrested for minor crimes.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Land Use
Big Four redevelopments rise or fall on federal tax bill
Even as President Barack Obama agrees to keep Bush-era tax cuts, a consensus is still lacking on an extension of tax credits needed to rebuild New Orleans’ Big Four housing developments, as well as other Gulf Coast complexes.
Posted inGovernment & Politics
Don’t plan on recycling bottles from New Year’s Eve bash
The recycling program for most of the city, announced in the recent contract negotiations with Metro Disposal and Richard’s Disposal, will not start with the new year, an attorney for the companies said.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Gusman’s staff won’t be charged in restraining death
District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro has declined to pursue criminal charges against Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman’s office after investigating the death of a woman who collapsed after being held in restraints at Gusman’s jail in January 2009.