Power Grab in City Hall

City Council President J.P. Morrell is leading an effort to strip power from Mayor LaToya Cantrell. He wants authority over contracts, spending, hiring, and travel. These moves are bold and controversial, especially since the city’s Home Rule Charter limits the Council’s powers.

Despite being a lawyer, Morrell continues to support ordinances that clearly violate the City Charter. Plaintiffs have already sued the Council five times for overstepping its legal bounds. Now, a new controversy over a sanitation contract has dragged the Council into court again.

A Black Firm Earns the Contract

Henry Consulting, LLC—a Black-owned firm—won a $74 million sanitation contract to service the French Quarter and Downtown Development District. It outscored competitors significantly in the formal RFP process. On December 9, 2024, Mayor Cantrell’s office signed the professional services agreement with the firm.

Henry Consulting was set to begin services immediately to prepare for major events like the Sugar Bowl and Super Bowl. However, Morrell refused to bring the matter before the Council for a vote. He also declined to sign the contract himself, which stalled implementation.

Manufactured Delays and Media Spin

Morrell and Council Vice President Helena Moreno began raising public objections. Moreno accused the administration of acting without transparency and said the contract did not match the original proposal. “I absolutely oppose this deal, and the proposal must be rebid,” she said in media interviews.

Morrell claimed the contract had a “myriad of problems,” and accused Henry Consulting of switching subcontractors after winning the award. He told WWL Radio, “No one checked the bona fides of these companies. No one scratched the surface.”

In response, Troy Henry, Managing Partner of Henry Consulting, said, “I have the right to choose my subcontractor. They’re just trying to discredit us.” Henry added that his firm had provided similar services in the downtown area for years, including work at the Superdome.

Political Motives and Racial Undertones

Only Henry Consulting, a Black-owned company, submitted the winning proposal for the contract. Henry believes race and politics played a role in the opposition. “They really wanted Sidney Torres to get the contract,” he said, referring to the wealthy White businessman who previously handled trash pickup in the French Quarter.

Henry suggested the backlash was about political loyalty, not merit. “This is about Oliver. They want non-Oliver supporters to get contracts,” he said, referencing Councilmember Oliver Thomas. Thomas is an announced mayoral candidate. However, Morrell supports his primary opponent, Helena Moreno.

Henry also accused Morrell of using conservative media to undermine Black professionals. “Morrell doesn’t want Black firms getting city contracts. He talks bad about Black people to White people. He’s Steven from Django,” Henry said. “Check his donors. Of all his donors, only one is Black.”

Legal Battles and Courtroom Wins

Despite Morrell’s efforts, the Public Works Department refused to rebid the contract. “This is not a public bid where the lowest number wins,” Henry explained. “This is an RFP—professional services are awarded based on qualifications.”

Henry Consulting sued the City Council for obstructing the agreement. While the case played out, the Sanitation Department issued a temporary contract. Sidney Torres’ company, IV Waste, won with the lowest offer: $5.7 million.

Morrell and Moreno, who had loudly objected to the original subcontractor switch, were silent when Richards Disposal lost that temporary bid. The inconsistency raised eyebrows.

Judges Uphold Henry’s Contract

Henry Consulting prevailed in Civil District Court. Judge Paulette Irons ordered the Council to vote and required Morrell to sign the contract. Instead of complying, Morrell appealed. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal upheld the lower court’s decision.

A three-judge panel ruled that the Council had no authority to block the agreement. The court also declared that the Council’s ordinance to seize control of contract approvals from the Mayor was unconstitutional.

Despite knowing he was unlikely to win, Morrell pressed on. Observers believe the legal battle was more about political theater than principle, possibly to boost Helena Moreno’s mayoral run.

Related: Why Black Businesses Need Blue Cities

Public Funds, Private Ambitions

Morrell’s behavior suggests a pattern. He previously tried to ban Mayor Cantrell from city-funded travel, citing budget concerns. “How can she spend money on travel when poor school children need resources?” he asked.

He failed to mention that the Orleans Parish School Board’s financial lawsuit began during the Landrieu administration. Mayor Cantrell later gave $10 million to help reduce the district’s deficit. Courts have since ruled that the Council’s travel ban also violated the Home Rule Charter.

Meanwhile, Morrell continues to spend taxpayer dollars on court appeals that judges consistently reject.

Final Judgment

In one filing, Henry Consulting’s attorneys wrote, “The Council’s procedural maneuvers only serve to delay a ruling affirming the District Court’s conclusion.” The Fourth Circuit declined to stop the contract, allowing Henry Consulting to proceed with sanitation services for the French Quarter and Downtown Development District.

“They just want to drag this out in hopes that Torres can keep the contract,” Henry said.

Morrell now says he may appeal to the Louisiana Supreme Court. But his legal arguments keep falling flat. While he talks trash in the media, the courts have repeatedly sided with Henry Consulting.

In the end, Morrell’s garbage fight looks more like political posturing than public service.