Gretna Mayor Up for Re-Election Weeks After Lawry Incident
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Faith in the city of Gretna, and its leaders has been shaken. Video by kmtv.com
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Faith in the city of Gretna, and its leaders has been shaken.
"I think I have some concerns there, about what's been going on her watch", says Gretna resident Angie Slocum.
Gretna Mayor Sally McGuire, in office for four years - fired city administrator Colleen Lawry - after evidence Lawry had taken money from a senior citizen program - and after a state auditor's report highlighted problems throughout the city's financial records.
"We trusted that person and our trust was apparently misplaced", says Mayor Sally McGuire.
Trust is a big issue in Gretna right now, especially with a mayoral primary next week, that puts McGuire's job on the line.
"I think she's done a very fine job, but I think this will hurt her", says Gretna resident Ron Youngerman.
McGuire, taking some of the heat from the Lawry incident, says voters should look at more than just the past two weeks.
"Over the last, 4 years we've done an excellent job. We have not had a prop tax increase for 4 years, we're dealing with a number of businesses that want to come to the city", adds McGuire.
Her three opponents, Jim Timmerman, Kip Edmonds and Andy Harpenau.
We caught up with Harpenau this afternoon, who says plain and simple, the city of Gretna needs new leadership.
"I think just the lack of oversight by our city council just not paying attention, and asking those kind of questions yeah, I think we're very liable. I think it's time to get some new people in there, new ideas, think outside the box and I believe I'm that guy."
No matter who's elected though, they will be dealing with what's left from Lawry's time in charge at Gretna's City Hall.
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