JEFFERSON PARISH, La. — The new year has brought some new faces to Jefferson Parish government.
Wednesday morning, the parish held its inauguration at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center.
District 5 Councilman Hans Liljeberg and District 4 Councilwoman Arita Bohannon were sworn in for the first time to the parish council.
“It’s easy to go in there and say what you’re going to fix and what you’re going to do and all the things you’re going to do, but it’s very hard when things are running really smoothly, and they’re running smoothly because of the council that exists and these folks behind me. So, thank you all. It is an honor for me to join you," Liljeberg said.
“Most importantly, to the citizens of District 4, I asked you for your faith, and you said yes. So, I’m going to make sure you know it’s the right choice," Bohannon said.
Meanwhile, Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng was sworn in for her second term. She ran unopposed.
“Being able to be elected again and to have the support of the citizens of Jefferson Parish, it’s a nod to that they agree with the work that we’ve been doing," Lee Sheng said, “We took on some big projects that we just couldn’t get done in time that we just couldn’t get done in four years, so just to get to be able to finish that work means a lot to us.”
Lee Sheng acknowledged her administration has handled several crises, including COVID, Hurricane Ida, extreme heat and the saltwater wedge.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto also ran unopposed.
“We are going to probably end the year on our lowest crime rate since 1972 when we started tracking," Lopinto said.
Jennifer Van Vrancken and Scott Walker captured the two at-large council seats.
All of the officials expressed gratitude for their families, supporters and staff.
Bohannon said it was a hard campaign season that got 'personal' at times.
“This was a brutal campaign, this was nasty," Bohannon said.
Several council members shared their goals for the term, including more money for senior citizen programs, early childhood education and continuing safety and quality of life initiatives.
After the ceremony, the council elected Scott Walker as chairman of the council and District 2 Councilman Deano Bonano has vice chairman.
The first regular council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 17.
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