Issues
Undoubtedly, the havoc and destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina are unlike anything heretofore seen in American history. Solutions and the recommendations therefore must be on a like scale. Some of the recommendations contained here are innovative, but we believe that to truly have a New Orleans that is stronger than before will require that new ground be broken and new thinking employed.
Please click here for Michael's detailed recommendations on these topics:
Michael’s biggest issue has been trying to empower people to come back to New Orleans to own homes. Before the storm we saw a city with 53% of our community renting homes. The national average for home ownership in a city is 67%. Since we have a clean slate lets bring people back and give them an opportunity to own homes and shoot for 85% home ownership in New Orleans. Currently $1.8 billion has been allocated to rental properties. But that money goes to the land owners. What about the majority of our citizens who rented? He believes to give them a chance we create a mechanism with “Katrina Mortgages” to own homes. Renters could use the FEMA assistance they might have received and section 8 vouchers in conjunction with HUD programs to put a down payment on a home and begin to pay a mortgage.
Empowering those who qualify to own homes is the most logical and appropriate start to rebuilding the city. Once we get individuals to move in our city we work to improve the way we do business here. Giving people the power to make decisions starts a process of getting jobs, keeping their neighborhoods safe and clean, and the desire / need for higher education. Michael would like to create a business friendly atmosphere so everyone is given a fair chance to open a business. This can happen by creating a tax structure that appeals to all industries, not just the friends of politicians. Instead of paying companies to come to New Orleans we can create a desireable business environment and atmosphere that will attract entrepreneurs to the city. Zoning also goes hand in hand with this issue. We must draw a best practiced zoning map that outlines what takes place where. The council can certainly change the map yearly or as need be because of progress, but individual changes should not take place. Again that will only help those friends of politicians. Once people see that the city is business friendly they will want to open their doors here.
Red Tape. We have all seen it. We all know what it is. We have all experienced it. We have all been victimized by it. It’s a needless waste. Now we need; indeed, we need now more than ever to eliminate red tape and politics as usual. Michael's vision and answer for this is to create efficient and effective government.
Crime, education, healthcare, and hurricane protection are also a huge part of the rebuilding process. These are important issues that must be addressed as we repopulate the city and create a better New Orleans. Obviously we must continue to crack down on corruption and fight crime on our streets. With the slate clean we have a unique chance to be proactive. We must hold the School Board accountable for all educational aspects. Teachers and students must produce and we cannot stand for mediocrity
Healthcare will be an important issue as people begin to move back. Healthcare in the city cannot only provide support but can also be an institution that can grow here. And of course hurricane protection must be built up to protect our citizens from this type of disaster. The council must work closely with the Mayor, state, and federal officials to assure their constituents what progress has been made and what to expect in the future.
Now, seven months after the storm, the present city government has not produced and has failed on many fronts post-Katrina. This is a chance to take control of our city from politics as usual and strive for effective and efficient government for the people.
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