Though there are still 11 candidates in the race for mayor, only three of them – State Senator Royce Duplessis, City Councilmember Helena Moreno and City Councilmember Oliver Thomas – are garnering major attention. To remedy that situation, the remaining candidates – known collectively as “The Super 8” – have put together their own campaign gathering under the moniker Fresh Voices Forum (FVF).
The FVF is a collaborative, solutions-focused platform – not a debate – designed to elevate mayoral candidates who have never held elected office. It gives voters direct access to underrepresented leaders with bold, actionable visions for New Orleans, according to the FVF’s Eventbrite listing.
“The Fresh Voices Forum means just what it says,” according to organizer Frank Janusa, a Republican certified public accountant and mayoral candidate. “The eight candidate group of which I am a part have been deemed the lower tier and don’t get exposure, don’t get media coverage. We want to change that.”
The three leading mayoral candidates are all elected officials, Janusa explained. “The public don’t need to hear from them. They need to hear fresh voices, hence the Fresh Voices Forum.” All “Super Eight” candidates – Joe Bikulege, Jr., an Independent who owns Le Bon Temps Roule; “Manny Chevrolet” Bruno, an Independent; Russell Butler, a No Party engineer and construction manager; Eileen Carter, a No Party former mayoral staffer and Cantrell recall organizer; Renada Collins, a No Party business coach and television host; Frank Scurlock, an Independent businessman and 2017 mayoral candidate; Ricky Twiggs, an Independent licensed psychotherapist; and Janusa – are confirmed to participate. They are sharing the forum’s costs.
The group has selected former WDSU anchor Norman Robinson as their moderator. “Norman is a responsible former journalist with a good reputation and is not aligned with any of the campaigns. He too is a fresh voice,” Janusa continued.
The Fresh Voices forum will be held Tuesday, August 12 at Rock N Bowl, 3036 S. Carrollton Avenue. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The forum will take place between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. All attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Admission is free but donations will be appreciated.
“The election is just two months away. Our members each have a unique vision for the city’s future. We urge the public to come out Tuesday evening to hear their perspectives,” he concluded.
