In the months following Katrina, Citizens of New Orleans and Louisiana signed a petition calling for reform of levee management in Orleans. Many politicians fought us every step of the way. A bill consolidating the levee boards in Southeast Louisiana from 7 to 1 was finally passed by the legislature and on September 30, citizens across Louisiana WERE ALLOWED to vote for fundamental change and passed reform to create a safer New Orleans for our families.

On November 7, we will again go the polls despite fierce political opposition from entrenched politicians who fought to prevent a vote by the people. This time we will have the opportunity to consolidate the assessor offices in Orleans from 7 to 1. Every other parish in Louisiana has one tax assessor. New Orleans has seven – for a job that can be done by one. They are paid on average, over $95,000 a year PLUS 100% government paid retirement, health care, travel, cars, unrestricted expense accounts etc.

Enough is enough. The Governor of Louisiana is paid $95,000! Orleans City Council members are paid $45,000 per year!

New home buyers and businesses are hammered in Orleans Parish when buying. Orleans parish has the highest millage rate in the state! The politically connected are rewarded and the politically unconnected are punished. This issue is out of the closet and many new buyers considering Orleans parish are keenly aware of higher millage rates compared to other areas – and the politics that maintain the disparity. Rising interest rates, insurance costs, housing prices -and high property millages - limit the numbers of buyers who can qualify for a home and discourage businesses from moving into the region.

The national and local media throughout the country are closely watching this vote. There are MANY businesses that are waiting to see the results of this vote before committing to rebuilding or relocating to New Orleans – or Louisiana!

As a Realtor, you are critical to the recovery of our region. Your individual leadership on this issue is critical to its success. Please continue to reform our dysfunctional political system by going to the polls on November 7, and voting Yes for Amendment 7.

This issue MUST pass in Orleans Parish AND must pass Statewide! EVERY vote is critical!

We can’t afford the politics of the past anymore. Consolidating assessors’ offices is just one more step toward making government work for our citizens rather than for self-serving politicians. We can improve our national reputation if we want to.

Please encourage everyone to get out and vote YES for Amendment #7 on Tuesday, November 7.

It is good for homeownership!

Sincerely,

Arthur Sterbcow