Lesser-known candidates look to shake up New Orleans mayoral race at Fresh Voices Forum

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Each candidate is looking to take the next step and reach a new level in their campaign.

Some say while much of the conversation has focused on the top three, Moreno, Duplessis or Thomas, who have the lead right now, it’s time for new ideas.

“I’m the youngest candidate on the ballot. I’m the only licensed professional councilor with direct mental health experience,” candidate Ricky Twiggs said.

“I’ve been imbued with politics all my life, but I’m not a politician! I’m just a regular guy. I’m a CPA in private practice,” candidate Frank Janusa said.

“Hopefully people will see that I am not the person that is getting the big campaign donations from people that provides city serivices,” candidate Russell Butler said.

“I’m an outsider and this is my fifth time running for mayor,” candidate Manny Chevrolet said.

At the forum, candidates had an opportunity to share some of the ideas that separate them from the competition.

“My big three are a 90-day stay of the city, an office of education and a reverse the exodus plan to come home and rebuild the city,” candidate Eileen Carter said.

“The city of new Orleans is sitting on $650 million of untapped Katrina relief funds. Why haven’t we spent that on our infrastructure?” Twiggs asked.

“Our platform will be for life, liberty, due process, equal access to opportunity and happiness,” candidate Renada Collins said.

They also shared their thoughts on crime.

“If we have to ask for assistance to come in, we will,” candidate Frank Scurlock said.

“One thing that we need to do is unfortunately go harder; at least for a short period,” Butler said.

“It starts with the schools. It starts with the families. It starts with the neighborhood,” Janusa said.

“how can we be safe when we can’t even put a working lock on a jailcell?” Chevrolet asked.

Ultimately, the goal for these candidates is to share their thoughts with as many residents as possible, and maybe even earn a seat at the campaign table alongside Moreno, Duplessis, and Thomas.

“We have to make a splash where a television station or a moderator says like, ‘I want him in this debate,'” candidate Joe Bikulege said.

“We just built our own streaming studio that will be releasing feeds,” Scurlock said.

“As long as I am continuously out there, effectively and authentically listening to what the people needs, I’m already at the top,” Collins said.

Latest Posts

Source

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)