L.A. City Council moves to appoint Herb Wesson as replacement for indicted councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas

Leon Bennett/Getty Images
Herb Wesson attends the official unveiling of Los Angeles' Obama Boulevard in honor of the 44th President of the United States of America on May 04, 2019 in Los Angeles, Calif. Photo credit Leon Bennett/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES (KNX) — Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez has introduced a motion Wednesday to appoint former Councilmember Herb Wesson to represent District 10.

District 10 was until October of last year represented by Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas, who was suspended following his indictment in a federal corruption case stemming from his time as an L.A. County supervisor.

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Martinez’s proposal was signed by fellow councilmember Gil Cedillo, Mitch O’Farrell, and Paul Koretz.

A vote to appoint Wesson would require an eight-vote majority, a Martinez staffer said.

Ridley-Thomas was indicted on federal bribery and other charges in connection with the awarding of county contracts to the University of Southern California’s social-work school. Prosecutors alleged it was a quid pro quo arrangement in return for admission of Ridley-Thomas’ son to the program with a scholarship and paid teaching job.

If approved, Wesson’s return to the council as a voting representative would run through Dec. 31, or earlier if charges are dropped against Ridley-Thomas, or he is successful in clearing his name in court.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Leon Bennett/Getty Images