Email Scandal Update

More information has come about regarding the parties involved in the NOLA Email Scandal:

Tech chief Anthony Jones has been suspended for 120 days without pay. While he can appeal, his suspension is in response to the crime camera dealings that cost the city over $4 million dollars. He’s also involved with handing over emails from councilmember’s inboxes to city sanitation head Veronica White who then turned them over to Tracie Washington, bypassing a proper FOIA request.

Sidney Torres IV, owner of SDT Waste and Debris, testified in a city council hearing regarding the stolen sewerage truck that dumped raw sewerage in a storm drain in the 9^th ward last Monday. The person suspected of stealing the truck is the same guy who dumped sewerage in a lift station at City Park after Voodoo Fest last November. Surprisingly, Veronica White was not present. Sure, it’s hard to work when the feds have your computer but considering she’s in charge of sanitation, wouldn’t she be part of this hearing?

Sadly I feel Sidney is being setup here. I’m not saying its Veronica White’s flunkies but someone is out to get Sidney and make his company look bad. I’m certainly grateful for the work his company and his people have done to keep the French Quarter nice and clean.

Finally, Mayor Nagin’s Chief Administrative Officer, Brenda Hatfield, acknowledged the FBI probe into the email scandal. She didn’t comment on any specifics but confirmed that the feds are now looking into the matter. That’s right Sugar Ray, you and your confederacy of dunces are on Letten’s radar.

Don’t forget to call into the Castner and Wollensky show on 99.5 WRNO on March 19th from 5 AM to 9 AM to record why you think Jim Letten should stay. While I listen to Walton and Johnson on the drive to work during their show, I’ll tune in to see what others have to say. Senator Mary Landrieu will be on John Osterlind’s show on 99.5 FM (5 PM to 8PM). I’m sure John will ask her to keep Letten in New Orleans.