Los Angeles City Council approves John Pérez for Harbor Commission – Daily Breeze

John Pérez was unanimously confirmed by the Los Angeles City Council as the newest member of the Los Angeles Harbor Commission on Friday, September 20.

The vote came after a heated debate within the communities of San Pedro and Wilmington, when LA Mayor Karen Bass did not reappoint popular San Pedro councilwoman Diane Middleton, instead nominating Pérez, who lives near downtown Los Angeles, as Middleton’s successor.

The move reduced the five-member board to a single local resident, Lee Williams of San Pedro. For more than 20 years, the board that oversees decisions related to the Port of LA has typically included three port-area commissioners.

Council member Tim McOsker, who represents the 15th City Council, authored Measure HH for the November ballot, which would give the commission two local members, one each from Wilmington and San Pedro. Perez lives in the Boyle Heights neighborhood southeast of downtown LA in the 14th City Council.

McOsker is also a member of the council’s Commerce, Travel and Tourism Committee, which questioned Pérez extensively on Tuesday. McOsker asked the most questions and noted that the candidate was well prepared.

Others joined in, saying they supported Pérez.

“I am a strong supporter of this nomination,” said Councilman Paul Krekorian. “Perez is one of the most talented leaders we have. He has demonstrated leadership qualities and the ability to get things done. There is not even a debate about whether he is qualified.”

Bass, who faced some criticism in port communities for her decision to replace the popular Middleton, said in a written statement that she was confident Pérez would be an ally for San Pedro and Wilmington and would boost the port.

Pérez is currently a Regent of the University of California. He was elected to the California Assembly in November 2006, representing downtown Los Angeles and surrounding communities, and served as Speaker from 2010 to 2014.

He championed legislation focused on job growth and economic development. He also authored the bill that created the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).