Saturday, December 12, 2009

Wheelchair-using comedian will run for mayor of New Orleans

From WWL radio in New Orleans:


A local man Dec. 10 threw his hat into the ring to run for Mayor of New Orleans.

Jonah Bascle (pictured), a wheelchair-bound comedian, announced his candidacy for the 2010 election to choose a new city mayor.

On his website, Bascle wrote, "We need a more honest, transparent, and accountable government! Starting today, I am rolling up my sleeves and stepping up to the challenge of running for Mayor of this great city. "

Bascle said he was prompted to run for the office after "years of frustration involving the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line's lack of access for the disabled."

So far, candidates include: Ed Murray, James Perry, Leslie Jacobs, John Georges, Troy Henry, Rob Couhig, Jerry Jacobs, Nadine Ramsey and Mitch Landrieu, and Manny Chevrolet-Bruno signed up in the final minutes of qualifying Wednesday.

Qualifying continues through Friday afternoon.

The Election is in February with a runoff in March if needed.