New Orleans is a city that thrives on its local flavor—its culture, its people, and its businesses. However, in a market as small and interconnected as ours, local business disputes can quickly become tangled in political posturing. When politics interrupts the natural flow of business, everyone loses: contractors, city leaders, and, most importantly, residents.
A High-Stakes Business Dispute
The recent dispute over a trash collection contract in the French Quarter has become a cautionary tale. Two prominent businessmen, Troy Henry and Alvin Richard, disagree over the terms of a contract they once collaborated on. The details are now public, as one party has turned to media outlets, creating attention grabbing headlines.
This disagreement, while unfortunate, should remain a business matter managed by the city’s administration and sanitation department. Instead, it has spiraled into a political spectacle, with councilmembers inserting themselves into the issue. Councilmembers Helena Moreno’s and JP Morrell’s calls for a contract rebid are an example of political interference that destabilizes a vital process for personal gain.
The Impact of Political Meddling
In small markets like New Orleans, government contracts play a critical role in supporting local businesses. These contracts provide consistent opportunities, allowing entrepreneurs to grow and sustain their operations. However, when political leaders interfere, the results can be devastating.
New Orleans has seen this before. Over 50 years ago, political meddling in contracts led to allegations of bad for business culture to undermining trust in the system. That period of mismanagement helped shrink the city’s economy, turning a bustling oil and gas hub into a tourism-driven economy. Tourism, while vibrant, largely depends on low-wage jobs, leaving fewer opportunities for skilled workers.
Today, political posturing over the trash contract echoes these past mistakes. Rather than letting the administration and sanitation department manage the dispute, councilmembers are using it to create confusion and score political points. This interference not only jeopardizes an essential service in the city’s most important tourist market but also discourages local businesses from pursuing future contracts.
Leadership Without Posturing
Amid this chaos, Councilman Oliver Thomas has shown thoughtful leadership. As chair of the Public Works Committee, he has refused to take sides in the dispute, recognizing the importance of allowing the city’s processes to work. By not grandstanding, Thomas demonstrates that true leadership lies in finding solutions, not creating more conflict.
Thomas’s approach is consistent with his track record. Recently, he facilitated a productive community meeting with second-line organizations, proving his ability to unite stakeholders around common goals. His focus on collaboration rather than theatrics sets a model for how city leaders should address disputes.
A Warning for the Future
As New Orleans gears up for significant events like the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The French Quarter, the city’s crown jewel, must remain functional and clean to protect New Orleans’ reputation and economy.
Political interference in the trash contract puts this at risk. The council’s role is to ensure fair, transparent processes and provide oversight—not to interfere in administrative matters for political advantage. When leaders prioritize their own ambitions over the needs of the city, they harm the very people they were elected to serve.
Building Trust Through Action
New Orleans must move past this type of political meddling. The city’s administration and sanitation department should be empowered to handle disputes like this one without unnecessary interference. This approach builds trust, encourages local businesses to participate in contracting, and ensures that services are delivered efficiently. And most importantly creates a business friendly climate.
Leaders like Oliver Thomas, who prioritize collaboration over conflict, offer a path forward. By focusing on solutions and respecting the roles of city departments, they set an example for others to follow.
A Call for Accountability
The trash collection dispute is more than just a business disagreement. It’s a reminder of the dangers of political posturing in a small market. For New Orleans to thrive, its leaders must rise above the noise, prioritize stability, and create an environment where businesses can succeed without fear of interference.
This moment is a test of leadership. Will city leaders foster trust and transparency, or will they continue to play political games? The answer will shape New Orleans’ future, defining whether it grows into a fair, thriving economy or remains mired in unnecessary conflict.
Now is the time for action—not theatrics. Residents and businesses deserve leaders who will put the city’s interests first, ensuring New Orleans remains a vibrant place to live, work, and grow a business.
What a great read! Thoughtful and thorough thought-provoking observations and reflections.
I think it’s only fair to note that, as of today, 5 of the seven council members have apparently decided to let this dispute be resolved by the business owners, the administration and the courts.
Helkena just wants to be mayor. She will do anything to get on TV. JP do whatever she tells him to do !
In a city that proudly ranks itself a majority Black city, I find few areas of Black accomplishment to be celebrated.
1. Why did Councilperson Thomas have such a huge billing in this report? Could it be he is also considering a run for mayor?
2. Why haven’t the so-called Black Godfathers gotten the two contractors together (quietly) to resolve the problem?
3. Bringing up the topic of Black anything in New Orleans is a misnomer due to the fact that when Black considerations are spotlighted the Black middle class denies the existence of Blackness.
4. When will Black considerations be the forefront of Black politicians as well as the Black middle class?
The Black underclass is waiting for the tide to change and the Black want-to-be’s begin to champion the needs and wishes of the Black masses.
Wes “W. C.” Johnson
You raise several questions that won’t get answered or addressed here. We see some of the same issues besetting NOLA, even if from slightly different edges of the cesspool looking in. But FWIW:
1) You answered your own question rhetorically, didn’t you? 😉
2) In this case the colored “Godfathers” have different friends on all sides of the contest, but I daresay many taxpayers would have liked to see a veteran Black sanitation business get the contract to begin with versus a consulting firm. But look who got it now while we acted like crabs, right?
3) I know many middle class Blacks who don’t like what we are seeing either vis-a-vis the least among us being forgotten. But why paint a negative image of middle-class Blacks with your broad brush? Aren’t you an entrepreneur yourself? Who the phuck makes anybody the arbiter of Blackness anyway, brother Wesley “W.C.” Johnson whom I’ve known over several decades?
4) Politicians will be politicians regardless of skin tone. But WHEN will “Black considerations” be the forefront of those same ignored Black masses themselves again, I wonder my brother? When will more than 10% of us Black voters show up at the polls again, instead of blaming everyone but themselves — and refusing to be civically engaged like you have always been — for not getting any respect and inadequate services from government any more? The tide is NOT gonna change for the better without that critical element, I am convinced of that much. But not encouraged by what I’m seeing…