METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) — News of former Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni becoming the next deputy for Jefferson Parish’s Registrar of Voters has drawn mixed reviews from council members and the community.
“I think people are going to have less confidence in the registrar of voters office. Their integrity and ability to stay unbiased,” said Jefferson Parish Councilman Deano Bonano.
“I do think it would be his best move. His family’s best move to seek private employment versus public,” said Council At-Large Division A Jennifer Van Vrancken.
In 2015, before becoming Jefferson Parish President, Yenni exchanged sexually explicit text messages with a 17-year-old as the Mayor of Kenner.
“I regret my actions. I apologize to the family involved and anyone I embarrassed, especially my own family and the people of Jefferson,” said Yenni.
Bonano was told that Yenni had been prepping for the job for about two weeks without the council’s knowledge. He’s questioning why Dennis DiMarco would hire someone whose questionable history could jeopardize the public’s trust.
“Your past actions are going to follow you wherever you go. Keep in mind he was banned from schools. A lot of our polling stations are at schools. How are you going to send the deputy, who is banned from schools, to schools he is not supposed to be,” said Bonano.
The councilman says DiMarco has some explaining to do.
“I do anticipate sitting down with him and having a one-on-one conversation with him because I have a lot of questions I want to hear him answer,” said Bonano.
“We have certainly expressed concerns this is not something many people will look fondly upon and so I do think the registrar intends to reach out and explain his reasoning to the council members and the public,” said Van Vrancken.
Yenni is reportedly starting as deputy registrar within the next couple of weeks. WGNO reached out to the Registrar of Voters Office about the hire but has not received a response.
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