Joe LaCava voted San Diego's new council president
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Joe LaCava is San Diego's new council president.
Why it matters: The position wields significant power in the city government, controlling which items reach the council's docket and assigning the rest of the members to committees that guide policy decisions.
Driving the news: The city council Tuesday voted unanimously for LaCava, who represents the District 1 area that includes the Pacific Beach, La Jolla and Carmel Valley areas.
- Councilmember Kent Lee, who had been discussed as a contender for the role, ended any drama by nominating LaCava at the start of the council's decision.
- "You've always proven to be one of the most thoughtful and analytical members of this council," he said. "I'm looking forward to what your leadership can bring to this council."
Between the lines: Last year's narrow 5-4 reelection of Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera as president revealed deep tensions within the city's legislative body, but Tuesday's vote painted a picture of a unified, amicable group.
- Multiple council members who voted against Elo-Rivera and made critical comments of him last year made a point to praise his performance in the time since on Tuesday.
- "We don't vote the same way every time, but I do want to say that over the last year, constituents of District 7 were well served to have you as their council president," Council member Raul Campillo said.
What's next: LaCava, a civil engineer by trade who was a leader in the city's community planning group system before running for office, will now assign the rest of the council to committees and as representatives on the boards of outside agencies like the Metropolitan Transit System and the San Diego Association of Governments, before the end of the week.