JEFFERSON PARISH, La. — Jefferson Parish Council Chairman Scott Walker was shocked to learn that former parish president Mike Yenni is returning to public service.
“The way he left was disgraceful for the parish president’s office and for the parish itself,” said Walker.
Yenni’s former campaign manager, Greg Buisson, confirmed to WWL Louisiana that Yenni is training to take the number two job at the Jefferson Parish Registrar of Voters office. As deputy registrar, Yenni would work under current Registrar Dennis DiMarco with everything concerning elections.
“The registrar didn’t let the council know as a courtesy that this was going to happen, and it came to us as just as much of a shock as it did anybody else,” said Walker.
Yenni became parish president in 2016 after serving as Mayor of Kenner. Later that same year, WWL Louisiana exposed sexually explicit text messages he sent to a 17-year-old boy. Yenni then apologized for his actions.
“Last Summer I was old enough to know better but I guess I was still young enough to do something stupid,” said Yenni during a recorded video in October of 1016.
“It’s something that I wouldn’t be able to get over and something that I don’t think should be forgotten or gotten over,” said Walker.
Yenni fought off a recall effort and after serving his four-year term, decided not to seek reelection. He told WWL Louisiana at the time he hoped people could see past what he did.
“I hope they remember me as a good leader. I hope they realize people make mistakes and they should be forgiven for their mistakes because mercy is good for the soul,” said Yenni during an interview in January 2020.
Yenni had stayed out of public service ever since and Walker believes that’s how it should stay.
“I think anybody who left the office in the way that he did and put himself in the situation that he did, shouldn’t be welcomed back into our government buildings in any position at any time,” said Walker.
While the parish council has no control over who the registrar hires, the council does control who the registrar is. Walker says he’d oppose any future move to promote Yenni.
One potential issue with Yenni even working in the office is the fact that the school board banned him in 2016 from all school campuses.
“There are a lot of polling places at schools and the ban, I believe, was indefinite. So, I imagine that ban is still in place,” said Walker.
Yenni is expected to officially start as deputy registrar within two weeks.
WWL Louisiana did contact Yenni’s former campaign manager and the Registrar of Voters office for this story. Neither could be reached.
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