As Director of Citizens’ Affairs, Mike was designated as Essential Personnel. He worked tirelessly throughout Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath cultivating valuable experience regarding the handling of emergency situations. After completing emergency duties over many weeks, Mike continued his recovery efforts by coordinating post-Katrina activities to assist nearly seven hundred (700) senior citizens in debris removal from their homes. This was accomplished by coordinating the work of more than forty (40) volunteer groups which included, but was not limited to, out of state and local missionary organizations, military personnel, and local work crews.
In early 2006, former Jefferson Parish Councilman Edmond J. “Ed” Muniz announced his candidacy for Mayor of Kenner, with goals of unifying the City and restoring cooperative efforts within the City government. Muniz won the election and appointed Mike to the position of Chief Administrative Officer. Mike worked as Mayor Muniz’s closest advisor throughout the successful operation of his administration. An example of one of Mike’s first priorities was coordinating efforts to immediately find funding to repair storm damage at the Pontchartrain Center. He knew the threat to close the Center was looming, and was aware of the devastation that could mean to the City of Kenner’s tourism industry and its economic development. Mike also collaborated on efforts to aggressively seek FEMA funds to clear the sub-surface drainage system and to file for FEMA reimbursements for other needed repairs of hurricane damage.
Aside from his concentrations on generating revenue, completing repairs to the City, and cost savings, Mike heavily focused on the importance of the department of Inspections and Code Enforcement. He expedited the closure of the rarely utilized tourist center and used the funds to hire additional code inspectors in an effort to fight blight. The additional inspectors allowed for more frequent code sweeps. The money was also used for the demolition of derelict buildings.
Under Mike’s tenure as Chief Administrative Officer, he stressed the importance of utilizing the expertise of a professional engineer to oversee the Public Works Department, capital projects, and improvements to public infrastructure. With a professional engineer on staff, the Public Works Department has saved thousands of dollars previously spent on outsourcing.
