Helena Moreno vows to turn the tide of a dysfunctional city if elected mayor of New Orleans

The Rev. Tyrone Smith introduced Helena Moreno with raised arms and a sparkle in his eye.

As a member of the clergy, Smith, who leads the New Generation of Original Morning Star First Baptist Church, is barred from endorsing politicians. Yet he made clear his enthusiasm for Moreno, New Orleans’ leading mayoral candidate, as he ushered her to the pulpit midway through his sermon on a recent Sunday.

“I can’t tell you who to vote for,” said Smith, who has known Moreno for about a decade. “But I think that Helena Moreno will get it right.”

Moreno stepped before the congregation. If elected, she pledged to set New Orleans on a new path — one of smoother streets and more functional governance.

“It’s time to move on from what has been to what the city of New Orleans will be,” she said to rauc