Tulane University master’s student in public administration Holly Friedman is taking her education beyond the classroom as she runs for the District A City Council seat in the Nov. 15 election.
The New Orleans City Council’s primary duties include protecting public health, overseeing the city budget, managing land use and zoning, conducting public hearings and making appointments to various boards.
Friedman is running against Aimee McCarron to replace Councilmember Joseph I. Giarrusso III, whose current term ends on Jan. 12. McCarron is the current policy and budget director under Giarrusso.
Prioritizing street repairs, holding leadership accountable and investing in staff training to improve service delivery, Friedman promised to deliver results to the New Orleans community.
“I have a vision to turn New Orleans into a transparent, smart city that the people in District A seem eager to embrace,” Friedman said.
Inspired by her time working for Giarrusso as the director of constituent services, Friedman’s goal is to be a leader for the people and continue the dependable, representative leadership style of the incumbent.
“One of the things that he [Giarrusso] really excelled in at his time of office was being accessible, being reliable and being dependable,” Friedman said. “I knew I wanted that same representation, that same leadership style, and so I decided … it was my time to step up for my community.”
Friedman said she believes her status as a Tulane master’s student has benefited her campaign, boosting confidence and building a proactive mindset.
“The program gave me the confidence to know that I can be a leader and that I’m ready to take this on,” Friedman said. “What’s even better is that I’m looking at policy through a perspective of what the unintended consequences are, and just not what I think is good for right now.”
As a mother of two daughters pursuing their college degrees, Friedman plans to incorporate younger voices into her policy agenda.
“Young people and young constituents … have great visions,” Friedman said. “They are energetic, and their voices need to be heard. Defining that future and giving them the power and the voice is going to make our community stronger.”
Friedman said she hopes to give Tulane students more opportunities to gain experience within their community and feel invested in staying in New Orleans after graduation.
“I want to partner with Tulane, offer more internships, if we can, at City Hall,” Friedman said. “[I want to] offer more opportunities for students to get involved in the community and our city, and they will plant roots, and they will stay here, and they will live here.”
Emphasizing her open availability and encouraging constituents to voice their concerns, Friedman promised to be there for the people and always offer a listening ear.
“I am always accessible; I’m always a phone call away,” Friedman said. “I want to hear [the people’s] concerns. I want to hear [the people’s] ideas and their perspectives. Don’t be afraid to reach out.”