D.T. Carson
In a near unanimous vote (11 to 1), the Los Angeles City Council has voted to appoint Heather Hutt to represent the Tenth District (CD10) through the remainder of Mark Ridley-Thomas’ term, which will officially end on December 31, 2024.
The question of whether or not the Council would appoint Hutt had been the subject of a great deal of controversy in CD10, with some seeking a special election giving residents a say in who would represent them through 2024 and others—noting the cost of a special election—supporting the move to appoint Hutt, who had been serving as an interim councilmember.
A robust discussion preceded the vote with Attorney Grace Yoo, who was a runner up for the seat in the 2020 race against Ridley-Thomas, pointing out before the vote that residents in other district were afforded special election when council vacancies had occurred, adding, “Democracy is not cheap.”
Councilmember Monica Rodriquez, who voted against the appointment, said that her vote was not about Hutt, but about not allowing for a public process and a move she added was “devoid of democracy”.
City Council President Paul Krekorian however indicated that a special election would lead to more months without a voting representative, noting that the Council was prepping for a budget process “where the Tenth District needed to have a voice”.
The vote was met with both cheers and boos from dissenting members of the community who had gathered in the Council Chamber. The official appointment brought Hutt to tears.
“It’s not an easy place to be, but with all the support we get here, I’ll continue to do the work. I signed up to do the work and my Mom raised us to work for our people,” Hutt said.
“It is an honor for me to continue to serve the people in the Tenth District. I am thankful that my colleagues in the City Council voted for me to continue to represent the Tenth District. I am honored to be CD10’s voice of representation and dedicated to serving this community and its people. The work continues!”
Hutt not only has the support of councilmembers, but the Mayor Karen Bass as well.
“Councilmember Hutt has a track record of exemplary public service and I know the people of the 10th City Council District will benefit from her continued leadership,” Bass said.