Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti said Thursday that he will nominate Councilman Herb Wesson as his successor, a move that could pave the way for the council to elect its first African American president in its 161-year history.
Garcetti, who is running for mayor, plans to introduce a motion Friday calling for Wesson to become president at the council’s first meeting in January. Wesson, 60, has already signaled interest in the post and a vote is expected Wednesday.
"Councilmember Wesson is a proven leader who has the experience and skills to guide the council through the economic challenges and tough decisions we face,” Garcetti said in a prepared statement. He also said he supports Councilman Ed Reyes as president pro tem.
The announcement comes two weeks after the abrupt resignation of council’s president pro tem, Jan Perry, who said she did not like behind-the-scenes negotiations over the presidency. And it ends the speculation that has long swirled around Wesson, who has been asking his colleagues for their support in recent weeks.
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