New Orleans: Boldly Going Where We've Been Before

To reduce the murder rate, Police Chief Serpas is going to map crime hotspots, which I could swear he said he was going to do last year.  And the year before that.  Remember COMSTAT, anyone?  

The City Council pitched in today by voting to implement earlier curfews -- because law-abiding murderers and armed robbers will surely respect an 8pm curfew, and it's a no-brainer that crime will decrease if you limit the hours during which kids can commit them. Duh!  

And finally, to REALLY increase the quality of life in The Big Easy, the city's Health Department is improving the availability and delivery of mental health care by...drumroll, please...typing lists. 

RSD Supt. John White Pledges Schools Dedicated to Students At-Risk of School Failure

The following quotes are from Recovery School District Superintendent John White from his presentation to the New Orleans City Council on November 3, 2011.  BESE Board Member Louella Givens showed up (see minute 12:55) to warmly endorse Supt. White's work heretofore and his plans for the district.

John White:

"We know that we need to do more....We know that students that are in Special Education, students that are over age...experiencing dramatic challenges.  We need to provide EQUITY for those members of our community."

Minute 3:40

 "We also need to acknowledge that not every student is on that path [to college]." RSD will produce an annual EQUITY report to be released in December.  "When a child enters 9th grade, we will deliver on that promise [to keep kids in school] through 12th grade."
 Minute 6:30

"We need, as I said, to keep kids in our school system, and that means for kids who are on the verge of dropping out and are at risk, we need to make sure we are providing them every opportunity, including schools that specifically serve kids who are at risk."   
Minute 8:20



I guess we'll see, won't we?

The Definition of Class Warfare

Nungesser Bathroom Graffiti

This was written on the wall above a urinal at Tracey's on Magazine St., where Nungesser spoke last week:

"Vote Billy Nungesser Lt. Gov. Oct 22. Thank you. [signed by what appears to be "Billy]

Now that's what I call a thorough ground game by Nungesser's campaign.