Screen shot 2012-07-18 at 12.57.02 AM

Screen shot 2012-07-18 at 12.57.02 AM

After four councilmembers were sworn in for new terms at Tuesday night’s meeting, Long Beach City Council elected First District Councilmember Robert Garcia as the new vice mayor.

Garcia was chosen over both Steve Neal and current Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal for the position, the duties of which include all those of the mayor (except for the ability to veto actions of the council) when the mayor is absent, has vacated office or is unable to perform his or her duties. The vice mayor also attends many public functions as a representative face of the Council and serves a two year term.

“I am thankful to my colleagues for electing me as Vice Mayor,” Garcia said shortly after being elected. “I look forward to working with the Mayor and the Council on building a better city.”

The decision was not as polarizing as it has been in previous years. In 2010, the Council deadlocked on selecting a vice mayor during the scheduled July meeting, having also split votes the week before on a resolution calling for the vice mayor title to go to the councilmember with the most seniority. Lowenthal was chosen as vice mayor during a special meeting called by Mayor Bob Foster a week later.

Garcia was elected to office in 2009 and is now the first Latino vice mayor in Long Beach history. He represents a district that includes diverse portions of Downtown, the port and neighborhoods to the north and west. In addition to serving on City Council, Garcia is also an administrator at Long Beach City College and an instructor at University of Southern California.

Prior to the vote for vice mayor, Lowenthal (2nd District), Patrick O’Donnell (4th District), Dee Andrews (6th District) and Al Austin (8th District) were sworn in for terms that will expire July 16, 2016.

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