By Elena Temple-Webb
September 20, 2010

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu spoke at The National Press Club on August 19 to mark the five-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Only four months into his term, Landrieu began by thanking the first responders, the volunteers, the faith-based organizations, the American taxpayers, the cities around the country that housed displaced residents of New Orleans and the many nations of the world that came to the aid of the city over the last five years.

As he gave his report on the city's recovery efforts thus far, Landrieu explained, "The future [of New Orleans] is not just about survival; it is about resurrection; it is about redemption; it is about getting things right. We are not rebuilding the city we once were; we are trying to create the city that we want to become. The world and we deserve a better New Orleans."

Landrieu also spoke of the challenges before him, highlighting his recent move to reform the local police department with the assistance of the federal Department of Justice. He outlined his plan to revamp the city's public schools and decentralize the health care delivery system as two major components of the on-going effort to bring people back to the city. And he cited a multI'million dollar budget deficit, infrastructure problems, and affordable housing as looming issues requiring immediate attention.

Of the British Petroleum (BP) oil rig explosion, Landrieu said, "After three long months, the runaway well in the Gulf is capped. But the dye has been cast. And over 200 million gallons of oil need to be cleaned up to save one of the most delicate and important ecosystems in the world."

He expressed his frustration with the oil cleanup effort saying, "BP and others are acting like this is the beginning of the end. It is not. We have no confidence in the claims that much of the oil is gone. In fact, a National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration sponsored study found that 70 percent of the oil remains in the ecosystem. [So] this is the beginning of the beginning. This disaster is yet another defining moment for the country and for New Orleans."

Landrieu also discussed the importance of Louisiana's wetlands to the U.S. economy and explained that their destruction should be of concern for the entire country. "In measurable ways, the strength of the nation's economy depends on the Gulf Coast. "Every year Louisiana provides America with more oil and gas than this nation imports from Saudi Arabia. ... Not to mention that Louisiana is also the home to five of the nations ... top fifteen busiest ports. "And let us not take for granted that Louisiana's Coast is the nursery of the Gulf ... annually accounting for 30 percent of all seafood consumed in this country. So, whether it is food, clothing, metals or oil, the rest of America can rely on us to keep food on the table, keep the lights on and keep gas in the tank."

Landrieu acknowledged, "As horrific as they were, neither the BP oil spill catastrophe, nor Hurricane Katrina created our problems. However, they did make them worse and they made them more visible. ... Ironically, it is because of Hurricane Katrina, the BP oil catastrophe and the depth of our problems that New Orleans is uniquely poised to be the city that defines 21st Century America. We are building from the ground up and attempting to set the standard for true community renewal in America."

Landrieu's tone was inspired as he praised the people of New Orleans for their resilience. "We have had hell and high water, pain and salvation. ... Through it all, we are still standing - unbowed, unbroken and ready to face whatever challenges come our way - not because we want to, but because we have to," Landrieu said.

He thanked President Obama and his Administration for its partnership with the city citing the many federal cabinet secretaries had been to New Orleans since May. "We are deeply appreciative of his support. President Obama believes in New Orleans."

The afternoon ended on a high note when Landrieu was asked about Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre's decision to return for yet another season of football and what his decision would mean for the New Orleans Saints in a rematch game. Landrieu's response drew instant laughter from the entire audience: "Is he really going to show up and play?"