NEW ORLEANS -- Irvin Mayfield says he won't run for New Orleans' mayor.
The jazz trumpeter has steadily raised his profile in recent years to include a radio talk show and work with library and redevelopment boards. Speculation about his intentions picked up recently, with qualifying for the winter election set for next week.
Mayfield tells The Associated Press he seriously considered running and "would have loved to have done it."
But he says he didn't want to give up or jeopardize his volunteer work on behalf of the homeless and others. He says he's 31 years old and at this point in his life, he chooses advocacy over candidacy.
He's not closing the door, however, to elected office in the future.
Term limits prevent Mayor Ray Nagin from running.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
rhettswife said on December 1, 2009 at 7:41 PM
Now, dears, face the reality. He is not qualified. Others who have stated that they are running are blowing their trumpets already but are they really qualified and what we need for mayor of this city? Choose carefully and with wisdom, dears. After all, they will be around for four years and look what can happen in four years.
swimmimg said on December 1, 2009 at 8:10 PM
truly, this is a non-story!!
exfire said on December 1, 2009 at 11:18 PM
I just want everyone to know that I"m not running for mayor...( why is this a story ? )