NEW ORLEANS - District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks has issued the following statement in response to today's Utility, Cable, Telecommunications and Technology (UCTT) Committee meeting:

"During today's UCTT Committee meeting, it was stated that I had previously worked with the Legend Consulting Group, one of the City Council's Utility Advisors. This is 100 percent true. I served as Director of Governmental Relations and terminated my professional relationship with Legend on June 30, 2017, prior to qualifying for the City Council. 

More than ten years ago from 2005 to 2008, I worked for Entergy as a governmental liaison. Please note that my most recent involvement in this process is on the side of the City Council, the regulator, which is the side I am on now as a City Council member. There is no conflict. The Council and its' Advisors are on the same side in the regulation of Entergy.

At no point have I ever attempted to, nor have I ever felt a need to hide this fact. My sense of integrity and my sense of duty to the people of my district and the entire city are incongruous with a conflict of interest such as has been implied. On the contrary, I believe that my experiences are an asset and help me to render the best decisions possible. I am very proud of the fact that I worked for both sides of utility regulation in New Orleans.  That speaks volumes to my ability, skills and knowledge in this area."

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Contact:

Jarvis Lewis

Chief Of Staff
Councilmember Jay H. Banks, District 'B'

Jarvis.Lewis@nola.gov

(504) 658-1020