In praise of Moon Landrieu, politicians offer these tributes to late New Orleans mayor

In praise of Moon Landrieu, politicians offer these tributes to late New Orleans mayor In praise of Moon Landrieu, politicians offer these tributes to late New Orleans mayor nola.com/news/politics/article_50b68a3e-2d41-11ed-be87-cfa0ce041450.html Joseph CranneySeptember 5, 2022 U.S. and Louisiana politicians, including one of his successors, reacted to Moon Landrieu's death Monday by praising him as a champion for civil rights and pointing to his mayoral terms in the 1970s as a defining era for New Orleans. "He served with unwavering integrity throughout his long and storied career of public service - especially as mayor of New Orleans, U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development and judge for the Louisiana Court of Appeal," said Gov. John Bel Edwards, who ordered state flags to be flown at half staff. "Moon was never afraid to be the man in the arena." Moon Landrieu was a courageous and defining voice for Louisiana and his beloved hometown of New Orleans. As a newly-elected member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, he was the only member to vote against a 1960 bill that sought to defy federal integration orders. #lagov https://t.co/0tWgjTYpP0 — John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) September 5, 2022 Mary Landrieu, the former U.S. senator and his daughter, said, "His life was a true blessing to our family, to New Orleans and our nation. It would be hard to identify a man with more integrity and sense of purpose.” Mayor LaToya Cantrell said Landrieu is as "intertwined with the City of New Orleans as anyone in her beloved history." "A civil rights trailblazer and dedicated public servant, Landrieu's urban policy vision helped shape this city, and the racial coalitions he built in the face of division continues to inspire generations," Cantrell said. City Council President Helena Moreno pointed to the legacy of service in Moon Landrieu's family, which includes a U.S. senator, a former judge, lawyers and a son, Mitch Landrieu, who was New Orleans' 45th mayor. "Moon never stopped serving, mentoring countless civic and political leaders, lending his time and attention to causes here at home and across the world," Moreno said. Council Vice President JP Morrell celebrated Landrieu's civil rights record. "He was not only a great mayor, but advocate for Black residents in an unprecedented time when pushing equality wasn’t in vogue," Morrell said. "He pushed to outlaw the remnants of segregation, remove the Confederate flag from council chambers, and actively sought, and appointed, Black residents to high-ranking positions in city government, including CAO," Morrell added. Other reaction poured in from around New Orleans and Louisiana. The Rev. Justin Daffron, interim president, Loyola University: “Loyola is grateful to have been a part of former Mayor Landrieu’s life. His legacy is a great teacher for us all to work for the social change that will create a more just world for all.” The Rev. James Carter, president emeritus, Loyola: “My first recollection of Moon was while I was at Spring Hill College and he was pitching for Loyola against us on the mound. My enduring recollection was Moon and Verna kneeling in the pews at Mass in the chapel of Ursuline Academy, where he prayed every week. It amazed me that as eloquent as he was, he never prepared remarks. He had an ingenious mind and a good sense of humor. He was a good friend, a good mayor and a good Catholic.” New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson: "On behalf of the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the Landrieu family on the passing of former New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu. He led this city with an open heart and an open mind. He helped raise the voices of many who would come to serve this city with distinction. Rest in peace." As elected leaders, we often think about what our legacy will be. I always strive to do the most impactful work, tackling the kinds of issues that will be felt for generations. Moon Landrieu was an ally and helped break down barriers for people of color… https://t.co/vkycGVVvq6 — Royce Duplessis (@RoyceDuplessis) September 5, 2022 Mayor Moon Landrieu was a champion of progress for the city of New Orleans. In his inauguration speech, he stated, "New Orleans can be a city of hope, a city that illuminates the great opportunities of urban America." (1/2) https://t.co/qeepAcOm7z — Judge Karen Herman (@electkherman) September 5, 2022 Eddie Sapir, former City Council member: "When Moon was elected to the City Council, running in my first campaign, I replaced him in the Louisiana House of Representatives. Later, I served with him on the New Orleans City Council and supported him when he ran for mayor. We shared many great historical votes for racial justice and business growth including the location of the Superdome. He was a great political partner and a dear friend. He will be sadly missed and never forgotten." Powered by PrintFriendly.com Priv