Dear Neighbors,
The City of LA continues to reel from the breach of trust in the wake of the scandal caused by former Council President Nury Martinez and Councilmembers Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo, both of whom continue to defy calls to step down from their positions on the City Council.
As we look ahead, there are some important updates that occurred this week that I want to share with you in regards to the change in leadership. I support the decision by my colleagues on the City Council to select Councilmember Paul Krekorian as the new Council President. I have worked alongside him for many years, first at the State level and now here on the Council. We have closely collaborated on the Budget and Finance Committee to deliver funding for such programs as the Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot Program, Senior Meals Program, Universal Broadband and other initiatives designed to serve our communities. During such unprecedented times, we must lean on experienced leaders capable of uniting and moving us forward to create lasting change.
In addition, I’m deeply humbled by a Council motion introduced today to potentially name me president pro tempore of the LA City Council. The City Council is expected to take a vote on this motion next Tuesday. Coalition building is the hallmark of my leadership style. As a Black Councilmember representing a majority Latino district, I have been embraced by a diverse cross section of constituents.
I look forward to working with Council President Krekorian and my colleagues as we grapple with some of the most pressing challenges facing our City. Top of mind is ensuring greater representation and accountability, which includes advancing proposals to create an independent redistricting commission, increase the size of the City Council and other long-overdue charter reforms.
I am committed to doing my part to help our City heal, restore public confidence and bring honor back to City Hall.
With hope,
