Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee, representing the 12th District, has been appointed Vice Chair of the Planning and Land Use Management Committee.
During its regular session on August 2, the LA City Council filled key committee positions left vacant by the indictment of Curren Price (District 8). Councilmember Price was replaced following his indictment on June 13 on charges of embezzlement of public funds and perjury. As a result, Price’s participation on committees has been excluded, and additional appointments were drafted and voted on by Council President Paul Krekorian.
John Lee currently serves as the chair of the Public Works committee, vice chair of the Public Safety committee, and vice chair of the Neighborhoods & Community Enrichment committee. His new role as vice chair of PLUM (Planning and Land Use Management) is significant, as the committee plays a crucial role in planning, reviewing, and recommending new construction projects and development permits to the City Council.
In addition to the committee changes, the council disbanded the Economic and Community Development Committee (ECDC) and redistributed its responsibilities to other committees. Council Vice Chair Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Councilmember Bob Blumenfield have been assigned to the Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.
Newcomer Imelda Padilla has been appointed to the Personnel, Audits and Hiring Committee, the Civil Rights, Equity, Immigration, Aging and Disability Committee, as well as PLUM. Councilwoman Traci Park will chair the Ad Hoc Committee on the 2028 Olympics.
Meanwhile, Councilmember Price, who has been absent from council duties for nearly 50 days, has pleaded not guilty to the 13 charges against him. The council is scheduled to begin discussions on his potential removal from office on August 25.
BY BRIAN CHOI [choi.inseong@koreadaily.com]
