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A former New Orleans safety and permits director is speaking about the bombshell indictment of a former inspector.That indictment implicates Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montano.Zach Smith says there is a lack of transparency after seeing WDSU investigate and push Cantrell and Montano for answers.It is a slap in the face, Smith said.Smith was director when prosecutors allege Randy Farrell accepted bribes to let unlicensed electricians work on hundreds of New Orleans homes. Prosecutors also say Farrell wanted a high-ranking city employee who was suspicious of him terminated. Smith says he and other employees worked to investigate Farrell.When you take out the senior leadership of a department and all the people pressing back against shenanigans, I dont think theres a better way than to call it decapitation, Smith said. “Why did you deny the budget request?”The indictment alleges Farrell bought Cantrell tickets to Saints games, lunch at a steakhouse and a new iPhone. This week, Cantrell did not take questions from reporters and sent her spokesperson.The mayor will not be making comments at all, but I will come address you, Terry Davis, director for the mayor’s Office of Communications, said. WDSU asked, Why is the mayor not making any comments? “She is going to present before the council, Davis said.Cantrell did speak to the City Council during the budget meeting and stated she is going out of office the same way she came in, with “accusations.””That’s an accusation, but it also a track record of delivering results, so, as I stand before you this morning, I am so excited simply because the work hasn’t stopped.Its pretty terrible that a communications director goes to discuss a serious topic like this and is completely unprepared, unwilling to talk and answer questions that are very easy to answer they are yes or no, Smith said.In the indictment, it is alleged Montano asked Farrell’s associate, Fouad Zeton, to get him expensive tickets for the 2020 College Football National Championship game. WDSU Investigates uncovered city policy with Montano’s signature on it, stating an employee shall not accept or solicit a valuable gift for personal benefit.”I can’t comment at this point. On the human side of things, I do want to articulate that this obviously has been the most challenging last few days I’ve experienced, and once again, I’ll reiterate for the people who know me and know my integrity. I’m here to deliver the budget, I’m here to make sure the city continues to function and run, and I’m going to do my best to ensure that is delivered today. We’re proud of what went into this budget, and as for the other items, reports, and conversations, there is a right time and a right place. Right now, I am here to discuss the budget” said Montano.A person who has signed his name onto a policy that he clearly violated is trying not to answer those questions on purpose, Smith said. Sometimes, a lack of an answer says more than an answer.The city of New Orleans issued the following statement: As stated yesterday and on the record for the public in City Council Chambers, the administration stands firmly behind Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montano and appreciates his service and looks forward to his continued leadership for the City of New Orleans.Stay with WDSU on this developing story.