A controversy that first brewed over a year ago has resurfaced this week when a top state official again voiced his thoughts on the issue.
Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser spoke in favor of relocating the Confederate monuments which were removed from their positions in New Orleans during the administration of former mayor Mitch Landrieu.
“We offered to take the monuments and display them in a state park, a historical site, (and) to get a coalition of people together to decide where they should best be displayed,” Nungesser said.
“Being over the historical preservation of the historical sites and the museums, I feel that it’s my job to stay involved and make sure we preserve those historical monuments,” he added.
While still in office, Mayor Landrieu rejected similar proposals from the lieutenant governor. But, now, it is hoped the proposal will fall on the friendly ears of current mayor Latoya Cantrell.
“I think she wants to resolve it and her team does and I believe she wants to do the right thing,” Nungesser said.
The proposal is to move the statues of Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and PGT Beauregard to inside Greenwood Cemetery near New Orleans’ City Park where Confederate soldiers are buried.
A spokesman for Mayor Cantrell stated, “While Lt. Governor Nungesser has expressed interest in the monuments, no agreement has been reached as of this date. Mayor Cantrell remains open to a range of options regarding the future of the former monuments, and will continue to communicate with Lt. Governor Nungesser as to same.”
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TONY MARKS Associate Editor