I awoke Saturday morning to the headline that the Head of the FBI in New Orleans, Jim Bernazzani, a man who has lead the fight against corruption in New Orleans was being shipped out of town. The radio station has had him on as a guest almost weekly since we returned to the airwaves after Katrina. He has always been straight forward with us and we really admired him and his efforts.
At some point last week, he spoke with two TV stations about a possible desire to run for Mayor in 2010. (Boy we need someone like him running this city). Well the FBI’ers in DC did not take too kindly to that and shut it down. And shipped him out. It’s not really my place to tell the FBI how to run their biz, but I can say that this is NOT what the city needed right now. The last thing New Orleans needs is shipping out a guy who has done nothing but fight to get this situation straight. And that is all Jim has done.
I understand the conflict of interest. I understand that you cannot go after corrupt politicians while being one yourself. But that’s the thing. Jim never said he was running, just said that he was THINKING about running. I’m thinking about a Big Mac for lunch, does that mean I am getting a Big Mac? No it does not.
The guy is almost 65. He will be forced to retire soon anyway. While I understand the FBI shipping Mr. Bernazzani out of here, I don’t have to like it. And I don’t like it. We are in the fight of our lives in and for New Orleans and we need all hands on deck, especially from people who actually care. And Jim, if nothing else, cares deeply about this city.
Let’s hope we see Jim again in the future. Maybe on a yard sign, saying Vote for Jim Bernazzani- Mayor
