Garcetti to Resign, Wesson to Become First Black Council Head Ever

As expected, the Los Angeles City Council voted 12-0 to approve a motion that would let current City Council President Eric Garcetti resign as of Jan. 2.

Garcetti said he wanted to resign to spend more time on his mayoral campaign, though he will continue to represent Council District 13, which includes much of Silver Lake and Echo Park.

The same vote also put CD 10's Herb Wesson in the president's chair, making him the first African-American to lead the council ever.

Wesson's district hugs both sides of the 10 freeway: he represents mid-Wilshire district and Koreatown areas, as well as Jefferson Park, West Adams and Palms.

Hundreds Turn Out to See Historic Vote

Wednesday's vote took place before a packed city council chamber, attended by hundreds who wanted to see the historic vote.

CD 1's Ed Reyes was also elected President Pro Tempore, taking over the position left vacant Nov. 4 when CD 9's Jan Perry resigned.

Perry--also a declared candidate for mayor--cited behind-the-scenes maneuvering over redistricting as one reason for her resignation.

Neither Perry nor council member Bernard Parks atttended the meeting Wednesday.

According to the City News Service, Wesson said he was "disappointed" with their absence, but said, "Life goes on."

In a prepared statement, Garcetti called Wesson "a proven leader." He said Reyes has "revitalized his district and has deep expertise" in some council issues.

Reyes's Council District 1 covers much of Northeast Los Angeles, extending into the eastern edge of Echo Park.

Mayoral Elections Over A Year Away

The L.A. mayoral elections is scheduled for March 5, 2013.

See full text of Eric Garcetti's motion below.

I have been truly honored to serve as Council President for the past six years.  During this time, my guiding principle in leading theCouncil has been to support its members in developing and implementingpolicy that moves our city toward a better future.

We have worked to make city government more transparent and we haveexpanded ways in which Angelenos can participate, including making itpossible for the public to testify from Van Nuys and San Pedrolocations and archiving city council meetings online.

Together, we have made tough decisions that will have lasting,
positive impacts on our city, navigating difficult budget waters byenacting structural pension reforms and reducing personnel costs while protecting core city services.

We have increased accountability at the Department of Water and Powerby forcing the department to be more transparent about its financeswith an Office of Public Accountability and a Ratepayer Advocateestablished by a voter-approved ballot measure.

We created the nation’s widest-reaching Green Building Ordinance, which requires large buildings to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for environmental design.

We worked together to keep our police force strong and as a result our city has seen its lowest crime rate since the 1950s.

We put on the ballot a measure that voters passed to guarantee funding for our libraries.

We worked to ensure the city secured and implemented a plan to use federal economic recovery funds to create jobs and invest in
communities.

We enacted business tax reform measures, including a tax holiday on new businesses, simplification of tax categories, and reconstituting the Business Tax Advisory Committee to recommend additional reforms.

We enacted a moratorium on foreclosure-related evictions to keep tenants in their homes and maintain the stability of our
neighborhoods.

I THEREFORE MOVE that pursuant to the Rules of the Los Angeles City Council, I remove myself from the position of Council President effective January 2, 2012, and call for an election for the position of Council President and President Pro Tempore on Wednesday, November
23; and

I FURTHER MOVE that the City Council elect Councilmember Herb Wesson as Council President and Ed Reyes as President Pro Tempore effective January 2, 2012.

PRESENTED BY: ______________________________

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            ERIC GARCETTI
            Council President, 13th District