11 Facts About Robert Maestri

Robert Sidney Maestri was mayor of New Orleans from 1936 to 1946 and a key ally of Huey P Long Jr.

Robert Maestri was born in New Orleans on December 11,1899, the son of Francesco Maestri of Italian heritage and Angele Lacabe Maestri, of French heritage.

Robert Maestri inherited his father's furniture store at an early age, and quickly built it up into one of the city's largest.

Robert Maestri had political ambition, and after allying himself with governor Huey Long, he was appointed to head the state's Conservation Commission, which allowed him to control production quotas in the state's oil industry.

Robert Maestri served as conservation commissioner from 1929 to 1936, and was a powerful member of Long's inner circle.

In 1936, an agreement was reached between Longite governor Richard Leche and Walmsley's Regular Democratic Organization, whereby Walmsley would resign as mayor before his term ended and Robert Maestri would take his place as both mayor and as head of the powerful Old Regular political machine.

In July 1936, Robert Maestri was nominated as the Democratic candidate for mayor without opposition.

Robert Maestri began the reintegration of New Orleans into the state's political structure by reorganizing the city's fiscal structure, ending the costly practice of borrowing money against anticipated tax revenue and streamlining purchasing and expenditures.

Robert Maestri developed a popular personal governing style, going on daily tours of the city to pinpoint problems, and holding daily open sessions in which citizens could come to his office to explain their problems or request help.

Robert Maestri used his connections with the Long machine in Baton Rouge to bring state and federal funds to the city, resulting in the construction of a new Charity Hospital and public housing projects for low-income New Orleanians.

Once in City Hall, Robert Maestri solidified his control by using spoils politics and patronage appointments, using Old Regular ward bosses to enforce loyalty and dispense patronage, and to guarantee votes for himself and for Longite candidates in local and state elections.