Tensions could come to a head this morning as the Los Angeles City Council holds its first meeting since a leaked recording was released in which council President Nury Martinez was heard making racist statements and disparaging other politicians.
Calls for Martinez and fellow City Councilmembers Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo to resign continued to mount Monday as the fallout from the incendiary leaked conversation radiated through the city. Shortly before the meeting, Martinez announced she was taking a “leave of absence” from the council.
Watch live as L.A. City Councilmembers meet for the first time since racist remarks were revealed in an audio leak.
City Council President Pro Tem Mitch O’Farrell will serve as acting president at today’s meeting.
It’s unclear what will transpire. The council does not have the power to suspend Martinez, De León and Cedillo.
The City Charter has a provision giving the council the authority to suspend an elected officer only if they are awaiting trial in criminal proceedings, as was the case with former Councilmember Jose Huizar and suspended Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas.
It’s possible that the council could introduce a motion to censure the three members, though such a move would be largely symbolic.
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