Today In SMH News: Another Married Politician Caught In Sexting Drama

When Anthony Weiner got caught up in his sexcapades his colleagues judged him and forced him to resign. But Councilman Joe Stagni, despite similar drama, seems to be off the hook. Read below:

When news broke that Kenner City Councilman Joe Stagni sent a picture of himself in his underwear to a city employee and had an “inappropriate” relationship with her, the reaction was muted. The council’s two at-large members, for example, said Tuesday they are not taking a stand on their colleague’s future. “I’m never going to cast stones on anyone,” Councilwoman Jeannie Black said. “I’m not going to be a judge.”

Councilwoman Michele Branigan said now is not the time for judgment. “My concern right now is for his family,” she said. “His wife and his children are the only thing I’m thinking about right now.”

Stagni, 47, released a prepared statement after city officials retrieved the underwear image from a government computer and gave it to the news media Monday, in response to public records requests. “I had an inappropriate but consensual relation with an adult female and we exchanged improper electronic communications which ended (in) 2009,” Stagni said.

The electronic exchange took place 18 months ago. Stagni would not identify the woman or say whether she is a city employee. However, public records show Stagni’s personal smartphone was used to send a text message and the picture to Annamaria Pizzolato, who was Kenner’s internal auditor, on Dec. 23, 2009. The message carried the subject line: “I’m n trouble – serious conversation wwife.”