Councilmember Fielkow July 6, 2010 Newsletter

July 6, 2010

Pelicans on Cat Island in Barataria Bay
Councilmember Fielkow about to throw the first pitch at the Pride in the Park softball game
City Council delivers a Proclamation to musician Pete Fountain on his 80th birthday

Hello Friends,

I hope you all enjoyed Independence Day weekend! The City was abuzz between Essence Fest downtown and revelers throughout the City, despite the rain.

As oil spill capping, containment and clean-up efforts continue, the Deepwater Horizon disaster remains the focus of our city and region. Yet it is really a national and international disaster, therefore, I reached out to my native Midwest by penning a letter to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about why this tragedy should be on their front page every day too. To read the letter, click here.

The federal government recently appointed Secretary of the US Navy Ray Mabus to lead the long-term recovery of the oil spill. Secretary Mabus met with leaders from South Louisiana to gather information for his new task, and we certainly had a lot to say! Originally from Mississippi, Mr. Mabus is familiar with the region and its value to the country. I am confident that we are in capable and caring hands.

At the July 1st Council meeting, we passed Resolutions supporting coastal restoration projects to mitigate effects of the oil spill and encourage the increase of the Revenue Sharing Fund. Specifically, we passed a Resolution supporting the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority - East Coastal Advisory Committee's request to the United States Coast Guard Sector New Orleans to fund the implementation of specific projects to reduce damage caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill by providing a rock shoreline barrier to any oil that may enter Lake Borgne.

In non-oil spill news, you may have heard me on the radio announcing an essay contest to select 40 New Orleans youth to travel to the Vero Beach Sports Village, formerly Dodgertown, from August 3rd - 8th. The all expenses paid recreational and educational trip will focus on team building, conflict resolution, life skills and literacy, while having fun at the Vero Beach Sports Village located in Vero Beach, Florida, which is now being operated by Minor League Baseball (TM). What a great opportunity! I look forward to meeting the 40 talented winners.

I attended two exciting events at the end of June: the VA groundbreaking on Canal St. and the Hynes School groundbreaking in Lakeview. Schools and hospitals are great indicators of a city making progress and coming back to life!

Another bright moment in education took place in late June when the Job Corps’ second graduating class since Katrina crossed the stage. These students, all of whom faced adversity and setbacks in life, persevered and are now entering the workforce or going on to college. I was privileged to deliver the ceremony’s keynote speech, and I wish these bright minds all the best in the future.

In my roles as politician, husband and father, I strive to promote equality. My daughter and I attended Pride in the Park, where I threw the first pitch. Later that day I spoke at an equal rights rally, joined on stage by my wife Susan and our two daughters; they are never too young to start learning about equal rights.

In closing, I would like to wish Pete Fountain, a great ambassador of New Orleans, a happy 80th birthday. He joined us at the July 1st Council meeting, where he received a Proclamation thanking him for all he adds to our great city.

This July, I hope you are enjoying the music, food and festivals that make our Crescent City so unique.

Wishing you all the best.

Your City Council President,

Arnie Fielkow

<< Back to News