The Los Angeles City Council elected Councilman Paul Krekorian as the new president of the City Council replacing Councilwoman Nury Martinez, who resigned first as president of the City Council and then from her position elected representative of Council District 6 following the release of audio tapes of racist, homophobic and hateful remarks and plotting against her colleagues and other residents throughout the city.
Mayor Eric Garcetti praised the selection of Krekorian, as the new leader of the City Council. “Paul is a committed and conscientious leader who can bring a smart, collaborative, and effective approach to a painful moment when Angelenos deserve steady leadership on the City Council,” Garcetti said.
“I am confident that he’ll assemble a leadership team of bridge builders, and I’ll work closely with the Council to help heal the wounds caused by the hateful words of a few.”
Councilman Curren Price was also seeking the nomination to serve as the new president but was unable to garner the eight votes needed to secure the position. Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson made the motion, nominating Krekorian to the presidency, which ultimately received a unanimous vote by his colleagues.
In the meantime, Councilmembers Gil Cedillo and Kevin de León, who were also heard on the leaked tapes participating in the conversation, have yet to resign from their council seats despite calls from community members, colleagues and the President of the United States to do so.
Outside, city hall protesters were attempting to enter City Hall even though the city council meeting was via Zoom. Police officers wearing riot helmets denied the protesters’ entry into the building.
Members of Black Lives Matter – L.A. was both outside City Hall conducting protests while at the same time have camped out in the front yard of Councilman Kevin de León, vowing not to leave until he resigns. Black Lives Matters members were not happy about Krekorian’s selection over Councilman Price’s nomination.
“It’s a slap in the face given what has just happened with the former City Council leadership, that they’re putting someone in place that’s actually worse than Nury Martinez,” said Black Lives Matter leader Melina Abdullah.
Many within the community are now focusing more on the resignation of De León since he still has over two years left on his current seat, while Councilman Gil Cedillo’s term is over at the end of November.
Check the Los Angeles Sentinel website www.lasentinel.net for more news and updates as these stories and more unfold.
