Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser ripped indicted New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, saying she should resign amid corruption charges that have cast a "black eye" on the state's signature city.
"If she had one ounce of doing what's best for the city, she would resign immediately," said Nungesser, the state's chief tourism officer, in an interview with USA Today Network.
Cantrell was indicted April 15 by a federal grand jury on 18 counts.
A spokesman for the two-term mayor said she has no intention of resigning.
"Mayor Cantrell will continue to work to do the job she was she elected and reelected to do," communications director Terry Davis said in an email to USA Today Network. "The city continues to move forward with improvements in key quality of life areas, and city government is fully operational to support our citizens.
"As the city approaches the (Hurricane) Katrina 20 Commemoration, our community culture of resilience and unity will be on full display and that represents the true spirit of the City of New Orleans."
Nungesser has clashed with the mayor throughout her tenure.
He criticized Cantrell for questionable travel expenses and contract awards and blames her for safety lapses that led to the New Year's morning terrorist attack that killed 14 victims and injured scores more.
"Corruption runs so deep," Nungesser said. "It's an embarrassment. To me her performance is a crime in itself.
"For years I begged her to step up and do the right thing for public safety. Thank God (Gov. Jeff Landry) put the State Police down there."
The lieutenant governor said Cantrell "has no regard for the greater good of the city."
"She has consistently demonstrated a lack of leadership and total disregard for the city," he said. "When you thumb you nose at the public for so long it usually catches up with you."
Nungesser said the indictment could harm his tourism efforts.
"It takes the wind out of our sails after the huge success of hosting the Super Bowl; it sheds a black eye on the city and state," he said. "I'm hoping through our marketing efforts and success we can get through this without too much damage, but I am concerned."
More: Louisiana lieutenant governor criticizes New Orleans mayor following terrorist attack
More: New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter reacts to Mayor LaToya Cantrell indictment
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser rips indicted New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell
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