The newest members of City Council are preparing to be sworn in Tuesday along with their fellow winners of the November election.
Tuesday’s council meeting will feature little other business besides staff’s recommendation that City Council adopt a resolution accepting the Official Canvass and Official Statement of Votes Cast for the Consolidated General Municipal Election.
Following the approval of the resolution and November results, council, as it’s presently constituted, will adjourn and the meeting will be turned over to the City Clerk so the various winners for rent control, council and school board seats can be sworn in.
City leaders previously enjoyed an opportunity to share their gratitude with the outgoing councilmembers and celebrate their years of service during their last meeting as a unit. Emotions were high as Mayor Kevin McKeown, Gleam Davis, Sue Himmelrich and Kristin McCowan took a few moments to speak at the beginning of the meeting. However, with the November results still fresh in the hearts of the winners, it’s possible there could be tears of happiness shed Tuesday.
Oscar de la Torre previously lost a race for council in 2016 but the current SMMUSD school board member feels residents have made it clear they are ready for real change in the city this year; and he is honored to be entrusted with the responsibility.
“I couldn’t stand on the sideline seeing the city that raised me being destroyed. This new city council is being formed with the power of a clear resident mandate to strengthen public safety and our economic activity” de la Torre said. “It has been a long journey, and I am honored to have the opportunity to work collaboratively to lead the reform and change our residents’ demand from out City Hall.”Phil Brock added he is also humbled by the confidence of residents, “and honored to be able to work on their behalf.”
“Together with all of you I look forward to restoring the safety and soul of our city. Most importantly, residents now have a seat at the table in City Hall,” Brock said.
The Change Slate’s Christine Parra, who finished third in the race for the four open council seats, agreed and thanked Santa Monica residents for the opportunity to represent them in the coming years.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she said earlier this month. “This campaign was never about me. It was about giving our residents a voice, especially to those who felt left out and ignored like I did.”
“I am excited to be stepping into this role and look forward to the great work we have ahead of us,” Parra added, “and I am extremely grateful and fortunate that I get to do this with my running mates Phil Brock and Oscar de la Torre.”
