I have been talking about this for months with folks I come in contact with everyday, business owners, police officers, just plain folks and the response has been great, albeit skeptical that any true change will ever occur.
I am basing this idea on other metropolitan cities like Miami/Dade, Los Angeles, Chicago Tri-County and even Houston. In the past, these cities had their problems too and when they came together as a larger municipality they were better able to address whatever their problems were. In addition, there were federal grant monies available to aid in the transition.
In order for this region to move forward, our local governments have to stop digging their heels in the dirt and step forward. I am not talking about ending the parish governments or taking away their autonomy (Look at Gretna, Westwego, Harahan and Kenner within Jefferson Parish). What I am talking about is starting a new municipal entity that will better represent all of the people of this region that are affected by living and working in and around "Greater New Orleans". Giving everybody an opportunity to "voice" what goes on in our Metropolitan area. Utilizing the tax-base, voter-base and resources of the 1.5 million people of Greater New Orleans as a whole.
What we need is a referendum put on the ballot for the people to decide if this is good for our region, for a new and improved "Greater New Orleans". Let us know your thoughts.
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