On Monday, Jan. 12, Helena Moreno will be sworn in as the next mayor of New Orleans alongside a mix of returning and first-time City Council members. They take over the local government following a turbulent eight years under outgoing Mayor LaToya Cantrell and facing a challenging time for New Orleans, with a significant budget deficit, pressures from state and national forces and a citizenry deeply frustrated over the dysfunction.
In interviews with Gambit, though, Moreno and the council members sounded willing to face those challenges and optimistic about the future of the city. For those starting their first terms, there are opportunities to put the city on the right track, and for returning council members, a chance to continue the work they’ve started…