Now, here’s some interesting fallout from the abrupt departure of Felipe Fuentes, former councilman for Los Angeles Council District 7.
Last month, CityNews reported that Fuentes was making a quick exit from city government for a lobbying job in Sacramento. That left his district without a councilman. So last week, Council President Herb Wesson did what anyone would do and appointed himself caretaker of the San Fernando Valley district.
“Residents have my word that I will do whatever is necessary to ensure their district is protected and their interests are championed,” Wesson said Thursday.
This is not typical. In the event of an abrupt departure of a council member, a city will typically hold a special election or vote to appoint a temporary replacement. But Wesson says he simply “loves the Valley too much” to see it face delays in services or representation pending the regularly-scheduled March election. The move will also save money and, during the transition, Wesson promises to build up some neighborhood relationships that went sour during Fuentes' time on the Council.
Power grab or exercise in leadership? You be the judge.
The L.A. Times has more on the story here.