[Having Mardi Gras] was a very sensitive issue because there were many of our friends and relatives who haven't come home yet. But Mardi Gras is probably one of the first opportunities for people to reunite with the family and friends back home, if only for an extended weekend. |
If Mardi Gras were not to happen, we would struggle to pay our police, fire (and ambulance) services for months to come. |
It is hard to promote tourism because so many neighborhoods are suffering. But visitors don't realize how much they contribute to our recovery if they just come and have a good time. |
It really is the tale of two cities, where one-half of the city looks devastated, but the other area looks like a bad wind storm hit and everything's been repaired. |
It's very controversial and we don't have a position on it. |
It's very difficult to estimate how many people are going to attend this year. But we've said we would be absolutely thrilled to have one-third of the usual crowd. |
Mardi Gras is in our soul. |
The best charity work you might ever want to do is to come to New Orleans and have a good time. |
While Mardi Gras may be smaller this year, the pageantry is not going to be lacking in any way. |