MONROE, La. – Key influencers in Jefferson and Orleans parishes are of two minds on whether New Orleans and Louisiana should have the same COVID-19 rules, according to the latest Times-Picayune Power Poll. Similarly, they split almost evenly on whether New Orleans restaurants should be allowed to serve at full capacity, as restaurants elsewhere in the state now may do.
The results underscore a pandemic-long disconnect between Gov. John Bel Edwards, who sets the rules for the state, and Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who may – and has – taken a stricter approach to public health. Both are Democrats.
The dining issue has been of particular concern to the Louisiana Restaurant Association, which last week demanded that Cantrell align her rules with the rest of the state.
“The mayor of New Orleans is killing small business,” said Power Poll member Roger Villere, a political consultant and former chairman of the Louisiana Republican Party. “Florida, Mississippi and Texas are open for business, and we are shut down in New Orleans? It makes no sense!”
But Power Poll member Allison Plyer, chief demographer for The Data Center, says it’s suppressing the pandemic – not relaxing rules – that will improve the economy.
“Harvard studies using detailed consumer expenditure data found that lifting restrictions didn’t drive economic recovery and that resolving the pandemic will be key to boosting consumer confidence and spending,” Plyer said. “Lifting restrictions will only increase the virus’ ability to spread and mutate and thus elongate our economic recovery/rebuilding.”
There was clear consensus, however – even as vaccinations increase and new coronavirus cases decrease – on whether Louisiana drop its mask mandate.
