In the race for mayor, members of the New Orleans Coalition last night gave their nod to culture bearer Belden “Noonie Man” Batiste. He won the endorsement over current Mayor LaToya Cantrell and several other Democratic and independent candidates.
Batiste said he was “very happy and joyful” that the New Orleans Coalition “did a fair process.” All previous endorsing organizations have blocked him out, Batiste claimed. “The mayor should show up and debate me,” he said.
Batiste then issued a challenge to Cantrell. “You are the Mayor of New Orleans. You have a record, come stand on your record. Let me debate you. When you don’t show up to forums and still expect the endorsement, you disrespect the members of those organizations.” Batiste ended his remarks by saying, “We need a mayor who is workin’ not twerkin’,” a reference to the mayor’s alleged lifestyle choices.
Other candidates who were endorsed last night include Assessor Erroll Williams, legislative candidate Delisha Boyd, Darren Lombard who is running for Clerk Criminal District Court and former Independent Police Monitor Susan Hutson who is challenging Sheriff Marlin Gusman.
Founded in 1967, the New Orleans Coalition is a diverse organization of progressive citizens in the professions, business and government. The coalition was one of the first integrated politically active groups in New Orleans with members determined to turn around years of institutional racial discrimination.
According to its website, the New Orleans Coalition reaches positions on issues and candidates after receiving expert input and after debate and discussion. They support issues at the local, state and national level and collaborate with other organizations to develop and advance positions on matters of freedom, equality, democracy and justice. The coalition currently has more than 100 members.
The organization will hold additional endorsement forums in other races in the coming week. The Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee will also meet next week to endorse candidates.
