Arnie Fielkow Endorses John Georges

Section: Business

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007

FIELKOWS ENDORSE GEORGES

New Orleans City Council President Arnie Fielkow and his wife, Dr. Susan Fielkow, today announced their endorsement of John Georges for Governor.

Citing Georges’ business successes and commitment to appointing a Recovery Director to oversee the rebuilding of hurricane-impacted areas, the Fielkows this afternoon gave Georges his public support. Arnie Fielkow is an at-large councilman and former executive vice president of the New Orleans Saints; Dr. Susan Fielkow is a pediatrician.

“My endorsement of John is not an anti-vote, because there are several good candidates, but rather a ‘for’ vote for John because I think he can be a great governor,” Fielkow said. “At this special time in our state’s history it is vitally important to me that the next governor have a full understanding of the recovery needs of the state, particularly the community that I represent, and that he must possess the utmost integrity.

“I like John’s aggressiveness and business background. At a time when economic development opportunities for Louisiana and New Orleans are vital to the rebirth of the state, I like the fact that John is a self-made person and understands the needs of both large and small businesses that are struggling in a post Katrina and post Rita environment.

“John has an ability to bring all people together. The coalition that he has built across racial, ethnic and party lines is the type of unity that we very much need right now.

“I like that John shares my view that the key to our future success is quality and equitable educational opportunities for all of our youth. The days of Louisiana and New Orleans being at the end of the lists and denying the next generation the opportunity to be successful need to stop now. I believe John can help achieve that.

“Above all else, I judge a person’s character by what they do when the spotlight is not on them. In my position as executive vice president of the Saints, John on numerous occasions and without equivocation stood up and said he would help this community without any regard for personal or professional credit. John repeatedly agreed to ensure Saints’ sellouts so that local television viewers could see the Saints games on local television without blackout. By having those sellouts, it elevated both the Saints and the New Orleans community to the eyes of a national audience.

“John’s philanthropic and unwavering support of community causes, including the Saints and non-profit organizations, speaks volumes about the compassion he will bring to his next job as Governor of Louisiana.”

“I favor the expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP) and restoring hospitals and quality health care for everyone in the community,” Susan Fielkow said. “John has provided healthcare to all of his employees and understands how access to quality and affordable healthcare is for everyone.”

“Arnie and Susan Fielkow represent the best Louisiana has to offer,” Georges said. “Their involvement in the community and efforts in both the public and private sectors to make life better are second to none. Support from all over Louisiana has been building and is overwhelming as our campaign continues to gain traction, and I am especially honored that Arnie and Susan have decided to give me their support.”

Contacts: John Hill, 225.335.9104; James Hartman, 504.458.4600; press@GeorgesForGovernor.com