On Monday night, Congressman Troy Carter (LA-2) told the Independent Women’s Organization (IWO) that he has a long service history in South Louisiana. “I have been working for, listening to, and pushing back” in support of the voters in his district for many years, especially against the petrochemical industry.
Carter led the effort to secure more dollars for environmental justice initiatives than any of the district’s previous members of Congress. “Industry can exist only when it protects the community it abuts,” Carter explained. He has also been a big supporter of funding for the formerly incarcerated, roads and bridges, and HBCUs. Carter facilitated $61 million for Eastern New Orleans- an area he says has been ignored for too long – and $10 million for Lincoln Beach to build a bridge over the roadway, which will create direct access to the lakefront beach. Raised by a single mother, Carter said he grew up respecting women, especially his wife Ana Carter, a two-star general in the US Army. “I get it,” Carter exclaimed.
Carter also praised ongoing efforts to treat breast and other cancers. He saluted President Biden’s participation in Tulane’s Cancer Moonshot, which will create a $23 million imaging system to scan for tumors during surgery, helping ensure that cancer tissues are not left behind. IWO’s endorsement of Carter was unanimous.
IWO also heard from candidate Devin Davis, who resigned from his position with VOTE to enter the LA-2 race. Davis’s roots are in the Cancer Alley portion of the district. His grandfather worked for Shell Norco for 25 years and was diagnosed with prostate cancer. “Too many families lose a loved one because economic opportunities are limited,” said Davis. He believes that families wronged in Cancer Alley should receive reparations.
Mel Manuel, a Democrat endorsed by IWO in the Congress District 1 race, said they are running because their community is under attack. “Nationwide, 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were filled each year during the last two years. That’s 1000 pieces of legislation. Louisiana is the only state that never elected an out LGBTQ+ legislator,” said Manuel. “I want to be a voice for the most vulnerable – trans youth,” they continued. Growing up queer in the 1990’s was hard, said Manuel, and very isolating. “We’ve made great strides, but the Far Right wants to take us back. I believe in equality for everyone,” Manuel concluded. Congressional District 1 includes portions of Uptown and the Lakefront.
Dr. Donaldo Batiste, the incumbent, was also IWO’s unanimous choice in the Orleans Parish School Board District 4 race. Batiste has served as an educator for almost 50 years, including stints as a classroom teacher, speech pathologist, award-winning elementary school and later high school principal, school district superintendent, and college faculty member. “The children of New Orleans have been left behind,” said Batiste. His broad experience and passion for education shone clearly during his remarks to the 60 IWO members and other elected officials present. Batiste quickly reminded attendees that the Orleans Parish School Board currently operates only one school – the Leah Chase School.
IWO supported long-time educator Dr. Eric Jones in the Orleans Parish School Board District 2 race. Jones said he is a proud product of Orleans Parish public schools and has worked in the system for the last 20 years, first as an intern, then as a teacher, later a principal, and always a mentor. “I am grateful and humbled to have been educated by some amazing teachers. I will bring a wealth of knowledge in education to the position,” said Jones.
He focused his remarks on the importance of teacher retention in addressing teacher shortages and the need for increased accountability by charter schools. Jones would support other low-performing charter schools returning to OPSB management to receive increased attention and resources. “I refuse to let the reformers fail our Black and Brown students any longer. The reformers are not supporting my candidacy because they cannot control me,” Jones concluded.
Lisa Ray Diggs, Clerk of Second City Court, is IWO President. Demetric Mercadel serves as Endorsement Committee Chair. The election will be held on Tuesday, November 5.
