Mayoral candidate John Georges clearly led in the final televised debate on WWL TV this evening.  Answering questions on topics ranging from crime to city contracts, Georges clearly outshone the other candidates who answered with political platitudes and sound bites.                

To the question of how to police the private affairs of public employees, Georges offered the strongest response.

“I would continue to fund the Inspector General’s office and work with the Legislature for new ethics laws,” Georges said.  “I would work to allow the Inspector General to have more access to private, personal matters of all of us in government.”

Georges was also the only candidate who said he will seek public input in evaluating the success or failure of the next police chief, in addition to measuring variables such as the crime rate and response times.  Although metrics are vital to such an evaluation, Georges also said he will conduct periodic, professional surveys to gauge public confidence in their police department. 

Georges also said he will include outside experts and partners in the Justice System in th selection of the next Police Chief.

“The selection process needs to include experts,” Georges said. “That’s why I’m glad to have the endorsement of District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro and the support of Sheriff Newell Normand.”

Georges also said he has the most experience in job-creation, and will approach that task from a multifaceted perspective including both tax cuts, improved City Hall efficiency and expansion of the medical field in New Orleans.

“I have experience in creating jobs,” Georges said.  “The first thing I want to do is lower personal property taxes.  The best jobs will come in the bioscience area.  I support opening Methodist Hospital. I support opening Charity Hospital.  And I will work for more direct flights into and out of New Orleans.”

Georges, a lifetime resident of New Orleans and a successful entrepreneur in a number of business arenas, has culled broad support for his mayoral run.  In addition to Cannizzaro and Normand, Georges is endorsed by the Forum for Equality, New Orleans Tribune, State Rep. Neil Abramson, Regular Democratic Organization, Coalition for Better Government, The Data Weekly, and a host of other ministers and business leaders.