Former State Senator Diana Bajoie is the newest member of the New Orleans City Council. Mayor Mitch Landrieu appointed the longtime legislator to represent District B for the next six months.
Mayor Landrieu says he selected Bajoie because she was repeatedly elected by the residents of the district. And he says they’ve worked well together for years in Baton Rouge.
“This person understands how government works. She understands how the private sector works. She understands the way the faith-based community works. And she has been great at it.”
Bajoie is filling the seat left vacant when Stacy Head was elected to a citywide at-large seat on the council. Her recommended replacement couldn’t serve because the council couldn’t muster a quorum. Councilmembers Cynthia Hedge-Morrell and Jon Johnson boycotted meetings in a dispute that stemmed from a charter amendment on elections. Both were on hand in Landrieu’s office as Bajoie accepted the nomination. She says the drama that preceded her appointment will not be a problem.
“I wasn’t aware of all the, you know, other than what I read and saw in the papers," Bajoie said. "I just think that’s just the political process.”
She says her top priorities will be reducing crime and generating opportunities for young people. The next full council meeting is scheduled for Thursday. Bajoie will serve until an election is held in November, and she will not be a candidate.
