Quality of Life research survey released, just one N.O. public official scores high marks

The Quality of Life Survey conducted by Dr. Ed Chervenak for UNO Survey Research Center has just been released and there are some surprising and maybe even astonishing findings.

For one, overall sentiment for the future of New Orleans is up for residents, but then the survey found that only one public official has an approval rating above fifty percent.

NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick has achieved an approval rating above fifty percent when every other New Orleans elected or appointed official didn't. The poll found 56% approval for the police chief.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has only a 33% approval rating. The City Council has only a 48% approval.

Meanwhile, Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng (73%), Sheriff Joe Lopinto (73%) and the Jefferson Parish Council (63%) continue to enjoy high approval ratings.

President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, Rafael Goyeneche says he understands that the people of Orleans Parish see tangible results from the police department.

"Under Kirkpatrick's leadership, violent crime is down in every category and an end to the consent decree is near."

Goyeneche also notes that beyond job performance, Kirkpatrick demonstrates an ability to lead with skills that others don't.

"She has been transparent and has kept the public very well informed."

What is the biggest problem facing your community?

In New Orleans, respondents most often said crime (27%). with streets / infrastructure second (19%).

In Jefferson Parish, the top problem is not crime, infrastructure or flooding.  The highest number of respondents said other or don't know (29%).