On Tuesday, a modification to the city charter was decisively approved by voters. It grants city council members the power to approve or disapprove the superintendents of the police and fire departments as well as other department leaders.
The mayor had sole authority to designate the senior officials of the city till today.
“We are a strong mayor city, home rule charter,” Cantrell said Thursday at an event in New Orleans East. “So, I do believe that it has been proposed with taking a shot at me.”
The mayor, who fought against the measure, took a significant hit from the vote.
Only 31% of respondents to a recent University of New Orleans survey on quality of life said they agreed with the job Cantrell is doing.
According to UNO pollster Dr. Ed Chervenak, the mayor was unable to block the charter revision because of her financial difficulties.
Chervenak isn’t shocked that the amendment was approved.
Cantrell thinks that the proposal’s real goal is to take away the mayor’s authority.
The current department heads for the city may keep their jobs.
Top mayoral appointments made after January 1 will need to be approved by the council.
