March 30, 2011
Earlier this week, Councilmembers Clarkson and Gisleson Palmer representing the City of New Orleans and working with Mayor Landrieu, his governmental affairs team, and the Orleans State Legislative Delegation defeated an effort that would have cost the City an additional seat in the House of Representatives.
The Councilmembers spent two days in Baton Rouge this week alongside the Orleans Delegation and the Mayor and his team to defeat amendments proposed by State Representative Tony Ligi that would have combined two current Orleans Parish House of Representative Districts represented by Helena Morena and Walt Leger III. Ligi represents parts of Metairie and Kenner. Because of the smaller population of New Orleans, under the current redistricting proposed plan the City of New Orleans will lose seats in both houses of the State Legislature.
Councilmembers Clarkson and Gisleson Palmer expressed their sincere gratitude to everyone, including the leadership of the masterful Orleans Delegation, as well as, City, neighborhood and business leaders who were tireless in their efforts to defeat the Ligi Amendments on State Legislative House Bill 1.
Councilmember Clarkson said, “New Orleans could not afford to accept the amendment, which would have caused the loss of a fourth seat, destroyed neighborhood integrity, and diminished the economic vitality of our French Quarter and downtown. We are the economic engine for the state of Louisiana, and our priceless neighborhoods led this city to its post-Katrina recovery. Without our delegation’s skillful leadership, and our many friends in the legislature from around the state, this victory would not have been possible. This city is eternally grateful to all of you.”
Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer stated, “I’m proud of the steadfast tenacity displayed by the New Orleans’ state legislative delegation during the past two rigorous days of discussion and debate in the House of Representatives. Mayor Landrieu, along with members from the City Council, worked with our legislative leaders to uphold the representation of our neighborhoods and communities. Together we blocked an attempt that would have been in direct conflict with the laws enacted to protect the constitutional rights of those who we are elected to serve. I will continue to fight for our neighborhoods, as I know they are the most valuable asset in our city.”
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