LaToya Cantrell: The Crime is in the Cover-Up
The 18-count indictment of LaToya Cantrell is a sad end to a once remarkable political and organizing career.
When Hurricane Katrina battered New Orleans, Cantrell was a vocal advocate with the Broadmoor Improvement Association. When she ran for office in 2017, she coasted to success, becoming the first woman elected mayor in the city’s history. Now, she is waiting for arraignment. I cannot fathom what it must feel like to be brought before a federal court, and arraigned as a public official.
While her fall from grace is in headlines everywhere, the impact of this crisis on her and her family cannot be understated. I am not in any way condoning what she is alleged to have done. I also feel incredibly sad about all of this.
The takeaway for me is simple. First the cover-up is often worse than the offense. Next, anyone can make an ethical lapse. For this reason, it is imperative we have guardrails that protect us.
The Cover-Up is Often Worse than The Offense
It would have been one thing to have immediately acknowledged that Cantrell was indeed in a romantic relationship with former New Orleans Police Officer Jeffrey Paul Vappie. The relationship itself would have raised eyebrows since at least one of them may have been married at the time.
Perhaps there would have been a narrow investigation into the ethics of the relationship. But I don’t think she would have been under a federal indictment. Cantrell is alleged to have misled staff, used city funds to carry out the relationship, and inflated Vappie’s hours. She’s also accused of retaliating against the woman who initially photographed Cantrell and Vappie together. The steps she allegedly took to cover up the affair is what is at question. At a minimum, the cover-up adds fuel to the fire, making everything worse.
Anyone Can Make an Ethical Lapse
I want all of us to appreciate that anyone can make an ethical lapse. Good intentions will not spare you because no one is immune from a mistake. What’s more, most people don’t enter elected office with the intention of ruining their lives and careers. But it is important that we all understand that we are not inherently virtuous. Instead, we must wake up each day determined to walk in integrity and then acknowledge and make amends for our shortcomings.
What Guardrails Do You Have in Place to Protect Yourself?
If we operate from the premise that anyone can make a mistake, the question becomes, what guardrails do you have in place to protect yourself, your legacy and your team. Guardrails can be people, policies or practices. For instance, certain people might have authority to hold you accountable in all facets of your personal and professional life. Other people might have authority to approve financial transactions. There could be policies in place that address your specific weaknesses. The bottom line is to be honest about who you are, and implement contingencies.
Jennifer R. Farmer, aka The PR Whisperer,® is the principal of Spotlight PR LLC. Be sure to check out other blogs and subscribe for regular communications updates.