New Orleans, LA – September 16, 2010 – The co-chairs of the New Orleans Recreation Department Citizens Advisory Panel (NORD CAP) are calling on citizens who have concerns about the proposed change in recreation services to learn the facts about what is up for vote on October 2nd.
City Council President Arnie Fielkow, a champion of the proposed reform, stated: “The proposed reform was developed by a broad-based, diverse Citizens Advisory Panel that researched and deliberated for three years to come up with ways to improve recreational services. I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the accurate information about what is up for vote in order to have informed conversations about the proposed reform.”
Roy Glapion, one of the co chairs of the NORD CAP, said, “Over the past month and a half we have been meeting with people in neighborhoods throughout the City to make sure people go to the polls with accurate information and understand the substance of what is being proposed and why we think this is an important first step in improving recreation in New Orleans.”
The NORD Charter Change campaign developed a one-page piece to dispel rumors about the proposed reform and to make sure that people have accurate and full facts.
NORD Myth vs. Facts
Myth:
The proposed NORD Commission lacks oversight and will not be accountable to the public.
Fact:
The framers of the proposed NORD Commission have put in several measures in the governance structure to ensure public accountability.
- The new NORD Commission will have seven (7) public officials out of the thirteen (13) member NORD Commission who are either elected or appointed by a governing authority in their usual role; the Mayor; the CAO; the Deputy Mayor of Operations; the Superintendents of the OPSB and the RSD; the Chairman of the City Planning Commission; and a member of the City Council. This was done to ensure that the public would have individuals whom they could hold accountable for the actions of the body.
- As established by the authorizing legislation for the NORD Commission, “all meetings of the Commission and any of its committees shall be conducted in accordance with the Louisiana Open Meetings Act, R.S. 42:4.1, et seq. All documents of the Commission shall be public records available to the public in accordance with the Louisiana Public Records Act, R.S. 44:1 et seq.”
- All public and private dollars will be publicly reported and accounted for. Also, the NORD Commission shall prepare and transmit to the Mayor, Council and Inspector General of the City of New Orleans an independent audit prepared by a Certified Public Accountant or firm of Certified Public Accountants within 120 days of the end of its fiscal year.
- The NORD commission will be a public entity with all meetings publicly posted, simulcast via NOA-TV and live streaming from City Council chambers or an alternate public space with broadcast capability.
Myth:
The NORD Commission members will have unlimited terms.
Fact:
Terms for members of the Commission shall be for five years initially commencing January 1, 2011. Thereafter, they will be staggered for the Mayor-appointed individuals on 1-5 year additional terms. Those holding a seat on the Commission by virtue of their office will, following the initial five year term, hold their seat only while they remain in office.
Myth:
The NORD Commission proposition does not contain key details defining “the
powers, duties, functions, administration and operation” of the NORD Commission.
Fact:
As stipulated by the approved Council Ordinance, the NORD Commission duties and powers are clearly outlined in the authorizing legislation. They are: to plan, supervise and conduct a comprehensive and coordinated program of cultural and physical recreation; to promote cooperative planning with public and private entities concerned with recreation; to manage, maintain, and operate recreational facilities owned or operates by the City of New Orleans; and other related duties as may be provided by ordinance of the Council.
Myth:
There is no control over spending of millage and funds.
Fact:
The Charter amendment and/or Council ordinance requires that all public funds received by the NORD Commission go through the same budget process as NORD currently does which requires Council approval. All proceeds, including private donations, will also be publicly reported.
Myth:
The Commission can independently set fees for use of facilities.
Fact:
Fees are required by Charter to be set by ordinance of the Council. The NORD Commission cannot set fees independent of Council approval. With an anticipated increase in private sector contribution, it is the hope of the NORD Citizens Advisory Panel that any current fees for services will be eliminated or reduced.
Myth:
The NORD Commission will make decisions regarding which NORD playgrounds and facilities will or will not receive funding without public input; including those of booster clubs.
Fact:
The new superintendent of recreation will coordinate with the partnering fundraising entity to nurture and support booster clubs at every playground and for every team. Parents and end users will be the driving force in determining programs for each playground.
###
Contact:
Danielle Viguerie
Communications Director
City Council President Arnie Fielkow
daviguerie@cityofno.com
(504) 658-1063
