Ben Hueso will take over from Scott Peters as the new President of the San Diego City Council. Hueso got 6 out of 8 votes on the council… the other 2 went to Donna Frye. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.
Hueso won the position of Council President with strong backing from the labor unions, plus some environmental and business interests.
Lorena Gonzales of the Labor Council endorses him.
Gonzales:
Ben’s commitment to people who work for a living is absolutely beyond reproach. He is a council member who is absolutely committed to livable wages, health care for everybody and environmental justice. He will always stand for our values.
Hueso pledged to be fair and open with his council colleagues, but added he would be decisive in a period where tough decisions are called for. He emphasized his environmental priorities.
Hueso: First I want to maintain and improve our quality of life here in san diego, I’m a life long resident, I was born and raised in San Diego and I love the city passionately and all the people that live in San Diego
Hueso was elected in 2005 to represent southern neighborhoods of the city of San Diego, including San Ysidro. He will be the second Council President, and the first Latino.
Hueso: Me mucho gusto …
Hueso will have the authority to make committee assignment and set the council agenda.
A vote on a reform proposal from Donna Frye and Carl DeMaio that would have curtailed the president’s power was postponed for further study. It may be considered by the council in February.
Alison St John, KPBS news.