Councilmember-at-Large

League of Women Voters^®
of New Orleans

Arnie Fielkow

NAME: Arnie Fielkow
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PUBLICATION: Arnie Fielkow Council-At-Large
Address: 3615 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: 504-899-5643
FAX: 504-899-5646
E-mail: arniefielkowcoun@bellsouth.net
Website: http://www.fielkow.com
PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat
PROFESSION: Attorney/Business Executive
PRESENT EMPLOYER (if self-employed, what type of business): Former Executive Vice President-New Orleans Saints
HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION (include graduation date): J.D., University of Wisconsin
APPLICABLE TRAINING: 25 years of Legal, Marketing, Governmental Affairs, and Executive Management
CIVIC EXPERIENCE: Membership on Numerous Community Boards including United Way, Greater New Orleans, Inc., Each One, Save One, World Trade Center, Audubon Commission, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, National Conference for Community and Justice, Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans and others.
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Headed Governmental Affairs with the New Orleans Saints and involved in numerous public/private partnerships throughout career
POLITICAL ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIPS: None
1. Will you expedite the cmpletion and adoption of a Master Plan for the city with the force of law?
Yes. I strongly support the completion and adoption of a City Master Plan which has the force of law. Such a Master Plan is critical to the rebuilding, reconstruction, development, and future growth of our city in a manner which will balance commercial development with neighborhood and historical areas. Furthermore, a Master Plan is referenced within the City Charter. Moreover, I firmly believe it is long overdue and very much wanted by the citizens of New Orleans. Our city needs to run much more like an official business, and as in city business, a roadmap is needed to plan for the future. A City Master Plan will do just that.
2. What is the Council's role in bringing back New Orleans?
Under the present City Charter the legislative powers of the City are vested with the City Council. As such the Council's role will be to evaluate, and if appropriate, adopt and implement land use and city policies recommended for the City's reconstruction plan. Beyond that, an effective City Council member, with the appropriate background and skill sets, can also serve as an effective advocate and watchdog, with respect to the many other areas which will be part of the rebuilding and recovery of New Orleans. For example, this can include economic development and education, amongst many other issues. Given the City's dire financial situation, a City Council member who possesses a strong business and marketing background, such as myself, can help identify and spur new economic investment into our community.
3. Will you pledge to end the practice of defferring to the District Council Member on land use matters?
Yes, as Councilperson-At-Large I have an obligation to take a city-wide view of all issues coming before the City Council. I will seek the advice and input of the District Council person, but I will not follow the outdated practice of deferring to the District Councilperson on land use matters. Appeals of the various zoning variances should be relinquished by the City Council and authority ceded to the courts. This will help de-politicize such decisions and eliminate any appearances of impropriety.

Oliver M. Thomas

NAME: Oliver M. Thomas, Jr, Incumbent
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PUBLICATION:
Address: 4412 S. Tonti St
Phone: 504-827-3792
FAX: 504-658-1077
Email: omthomas@cityofno.com
Website:
PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat
PROFESSION: New Orleans City Councilman at Large
PRESENT EMPLOYER/POSITION (if self-employed, what type of business):
HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION (include graduation date): New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute, 2000, John F. Kennedy School of Government, 1997 College of Santa Fe 1978
APPLICABLE TRAINING: New Orleans City Council District "B" 1994-2002, New Orleans Councilman at Large 2002-present
CIVIC EXPERIENCE: Co-founder Boys to Men Mentoring Program, Co founder Conflict resolution program, Created Youth Literacy Coalition, Established Walter L. Cohen after school program, Established District "B" mentoring program, organizer of Parking Task Force.
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: New Orleans Councilman District "B", New Orleans Councilman at Large
POLITICAL ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIPS: BOLD
1. Will you expedite the completion and adoption of a Master Plan for the city with the force of law?
Any plan that I support will include bringing our citizens home and rebuilding our neighborhoods. We have the opportunity to make New Orleans much better for all our citizens and I will work diligently to make a better New Orleans a reality for all of us.
2. What is the Council's role in bringing back New Orleans?
To provide leadership and expedite the process for receiving the federal and state assistance we need. Additionally, I will use the legislative powers of the council to facilitate making rebuilding as simple as possible for our citizens.
3. Will you pledge to end the practice of deferring to the District Council Member on land use matters?
My position has always been, and my record will show that I weigh each matter carefully and vote on what I believe to be best for the citizens of New Orleans. I pledge to continue to do so regardless of the district or the individuals involved.

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