Churches Plan Gubernatorial Forum for Sunday

Section: Business

Staff Reporter

A group of 36 churches will host a forum Sunday in New Orleans for the major candidates running for governor, who will be asked to address questions related to the city's recovery. The event, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Christian Unity Baptist Church at 1700 Conti St., is open to the public.

"The race for governor has sadly lacked a real discussion on New Orleans' recovery," said the Rev. Don Boutte, pastor of St. John's Baptist Church. "The candidates for the state's top job must hear -- and heed -- the voices of the people most affected by Katrina."

The sponsoring organization is Churches Supporting Churches, created after Hurricane Katrina to coordinate national church support of African-American congregations rebuilding their communities.

Those confirmed to participate are state Sen. Walter Boasso, D-Arabi; Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, a Democrat from Elm Grove; and New Orleans businessman John Georges, a non-party candidate. U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal, R-Kenner, has not committed to attend. The moderator will be local TV host and political consultant Bill Rouselle.