Russell Wins 2nd Term as President of City Council

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Pat Russell, known for her ability to get opposing political factions to work together, was elected Tuesday to her second consecutive two-year term as council president by a vote of 14 to 1.

With no one campaigning against her, Russell’s reelection came as no surprise in City Hall.

Only Councilman Ernani Bernardi voted against Russell, saying that she had pushed the City Council to approve some controversial items without enough study. He cited the council’s 1984 settlement of a lawsuit accusing the Los Angeles Police Department of spying on civilians. He was also critical of her position on major zoning matters.

“We’re in desperate need of strong, independent leadership,” Bernardi said after casting his vote for Councilwoman Joan Milke Flores.

Dual Escort

After the vote, Russell was escorted to her seat by the oldest council member, Gilbert Lindsay, 84, and the youngest member, Michael Woo, 33, who was elected last month.

“I deeply appreciate this election this morning,” Russell told her colleagues. “It follows two years of good work, for which I think everybody deserves thanks and congratulations.”

Russell, 61, was first elected to the council in 1969. She made two unsuccessful bids for the council presidency before winning the post in 1983. She represents the 6th Council District, which extends along the coast from Venice to Los Angeles airport.

Russell is one of a group of six council members who are usually allied with Mayor Tom Bradley on major policy issues.

Flores Declines Challenge

She was expected to be reelected without a fight after Flores made it clear that she was not interested in challenging Russell.

In recent months, Flores, respected for her independence from council cliques, appeared to be the favorite of at least five of the 15 council members. But as the time drew near for the vote, she did not work aggressively to expand her base of support.

Flores, 48, who has been on the council since 1981, was elected to a second term as president pro-tem.

As council president, Russell determines the makeup of the council’s 15 committees, chooses which issues will go to each committee and decides when matters will come before the full council for votes.

A quiet parliamentarian, Russell’s influence has been felt more behind the scenes than on the council floor. Her colleagues credit her with being the force behind the resolution of several bitter disputes.