Eric Garcetti Could Resign As City Council President By Wednesday

Council District 13 representative Eric Garcetti made it even more formal Friday.

He introduced a motion that would let him resign as council president on Jan. 2.

He says he wants to concentrate on his campaign for mayor.

That motion will be heard Wednesday, when a vote is also expected on a new president.

Earlier in the day the L.A. Times had reported that Garcetti was supporting council member Herb Wesson as his successor.

He also said he would tap Council District 1's Ed Reyes as president pro tem.

The president pro tem position opened up earlier this month when council district 9's Jan Perry stepped aside. 

Perry claimed to be disgusted with what she called the "behind-the-scenes maneuvering" around the council presidency and council redistricting, which has now begun.

Garcetti said that he wants to leave strong leadership in place.

Reyes, of course, represents parts of Echo Park and chairs the Ad Hoc Committee on the Los Angeles River revitalization.

Wesson was elected to the council in 2005 and served in the state Assembly from 1998-2004.

He was its speaker from 2002-2004.