Legal Commentary

Old blog; new mayor; new path.

By Ernie Svenson

I've been blogging for a long time, two mayoral terms to be precise.  I started my first blog right when Ray Nagin was first elected mayor of New Orleans.  I was very optimistic about having him as a mayor, and I think he did a great job his first term.  Katrina was a different story.

I vigorously supported Mitch Landrieu in the mayor's race that was held four years ago, right after Katrina. To say I was disappointed when Mitch lost would be a gargantuan understatement.  Today, Mitch will be sworn in as the new mayor and I have high hopes.  No, make that 'high expectations.' 

I went to law school with Mitch, and then worked with him for a year as a co-clerk for the same federal judge. I know Mitch has great character, and will work tirelessly to make our city better.  Will he be a great mayor?  I don't know because that's a 'judgment' that is made collectively by many people, and depends a lot on circumstance.  But I know that having a great character is part of being great at any challenge.

It's easy to say someone has great character when they are winning and things are going well.  But that's not the best way to spot great character. The best way to spot someone's true character is when they have just suffered a major loss.  

Today, New Orleans is making an important step and I know that we are going to be on a much better path. It won't be an easy path, and it won't be all roses for any of us. Least of all Mitch.  But we're all in this together and we have a lot going for us right now. 

So let's make the most of it.

Full post as published by Ernie the Attorney on May 03, 2010 (boomark / email).