The head of the New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways has been fired.
Michael Karam was fired just one day after Councilman Jason Hughes criticized the quality of services from his department.
The city of New Orleans issued the following statement regarding the termination and the announcement of an interim director.
“The Mayor made a commitment to improve City services, strengthen accountability, and ensure responsiveness across City government, and she continues to follow through on that commitment.
“As part of that effort, former Parks and Parkways Director Ann Macdonald will return on a part-time basis to support the department and assist the Mayor in the search for its next permanent director. In the meantime, the Mayor has elevated Sharon Franklin Brown to serve as Interim Director and Catherine Wheeler as Secretary of Parks and Parkways.
“The Mayor’s priority is ensuring strong leadership, continuity, responsiveness, and improved services for the people of New Orleans.”
During a New Orleans City Council Meeting Tuesday, Hughes said he had received numerous reports of poor services from the department.
Residents reported concerns of uncut grass, debris and clippings left in streets and drains, overgrown sidewalks, delayed tree maintenance, and poor communication to Hughes.
Parks and Parkways attributed its backlog to a hiring freeze and reduced contractor funding.
Hughes cited a case that repeatedly bounced between himself, Parks and Parkways and Audubon, as well as a dangerous tree on Benson Street that received no clear response or completion date.
He called the quality and responsiveness of the work unacceptable.
“If I am a councilmember being treated like a ping-pong ball, can you imagine the frustration of the residents?” Hughes said.
Karam was tapped to lead the Parks and Parkways Department in 2020 during former New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration.
Prior to that, Karam worked for six years as an attorney with the Office of Code Enforcement.
READ MORE:Following councilmember’s criticism, New Orleans’ Parks and Parkways director fired
