That's what I was thinking too. Hate to say it but New Orleans needed to just go away after Katrina. Turn it into some protected wasteland or something. The corruption in New Orleans has been well documented for 20 years at least. They even reelected the most mentally afflicted politician in the country as their mayor. Bulldoze it and haul their beads somewhere else.
There is no question that parts of the greater New Orleans area should probably be re-designated as other than residential, but New Orleans is a great, unique, timeless city. We've spent a lot of time there lately, and I have found it to be a fantastic blend of history, music, and truly unique places to eat and drink. Now that almost every other US city has become little but a collection of Targets, Walmarts, Burger Kings and Red Lobsters it's wonderful to be in a city with such originality, character and uniqueness. The people there are a fantastic blend of long-term locals and new settlers drawn by the music and flavor. Spend some real time there before you knock it. It's getting a bad rap. And Nagin's opponent was from a long line of very corrupt politicians, so Nagin's victory may have been the lesser of two evils.