New Orleans elects first Asian American to office
The first ever Asian American will take a seat on the New Orleans City Council after Cyndi Nguyen unseated incumbent James Gray II from the District E on Saturday (Nov. 18).
Nguyen, director of Vietnamese Initiatives in Economic Training, was successful in her second attempt at a spot on the City Council. She'll represent the 9th Ward and most of New Orleans East, home to the city's largest enclave of Vietnamese-Americans.
Crime and economic development were stressed most often in the District E campaign, with candidates linking the two.
Gray, who chairs the council's Economic Development Committee, touted his experience throughout the campaign and said he would continue his efforts to bring more retail, services and housing to the district.
Before the Oct. 14 primary election, Gray said a plan for redeveloping the former Six Flags site would be coming soon although he offered few specifics. Nguyen had said the future of Six Flags would figure prominently in efforts to curb crime in District E, as it would create job opportunities for youths.
Nguyen said she would rely on her ability to build coalitions to bring together partners who could work on complementary projects at the site. Her vision includes a water park, theater, hotel, dining and shopping.
http://www.nola.com/elections/index.ssf/2017/11/james_gray_cyndi_nguyen_new_or.html
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