NewsMax.com Wires
Friday, June 2, 2006

Reprint Information

Book on Katie Couric Makes Waves White House: We're Not Subject to FOIA FBI Seeks 2 Mysterious Men on Ferry Publisher: Conservatives Do Read As Much As Liberals Romney Shrugs Off Mormon History Film

NEW ORLEANS -- Mayor Ray Nagin was sworn in for a second term Thursday on the first day of the new hurricane season, taking the oath of office in the convention center where thousands of Katrina evacuees suffered in filth and fear nine months ago.

The 49-year-old Nagin was re-elected May 20 after urging the people of New Orleans not change leaders on the brink of another hurricane season.

"Thank you, thank you for the gift of leadership," he said. "It's a gift. It's a gift I do not take lightly."

The swearing-in took place at the convention center where thousands took refuge without food or water in increasingly squalid conditions after the Aug. 29 storm blew ashore.

Nagin said New Orleans will overcome Hurricane Katrina as it has other major disasters, including the Battle of New Orleans, mosquitoes and yellow fever, a 1927 flood and Hurricane Betsy in 1965.

"We are overcoming Hurricane Katrina right now," he said, noting that the city is ahead of schedule on getting back displaced residents, and its finances are improving.

Nagin defeated Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu to win re-election.

Story Continues Below

© 2006 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Editor's note:
Blacks, Hispanics are joining the GOP as never before! Meet the "New Republicans" – Click Here Now
Prepare for disaster: Get this emergency radio FREE – Click Here!
Live Free or Die – Get the coffee mug today!

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:
Katrina Disaster