Eramo Suddenly Ousted as City Council President

Anthony Eramo was unanimously voted out of his role as Long Beach City Council President at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Eramo, who is in his first term on the council, said he was “deeply disappointed” in the council in a prepared statement that was read by City Clerk Dave Fraser during the meeting.

“I will always continue to represent the people of Long Beach with a true independent spirit,” he said, adding that the city could count on him to put “good government ahead of politics.”

The unanimous decision was made as Eramo vacationed with his family, according to the Long Beach Herald.

Meanwhile, the council insisted that while the decision may have been a surprise, it followed longstanding protocol.

“Our former president was aware that this was happening tonight,” City Council Vice President Len Torres said during the meeting. “It is protocol that for the last 80 years, that the City Council within itself confidentially votes for its own president.”

The sudden vote caused an outcry from many in the audience who stood to question the decision.

West End Neighbors Civic Association President John Bendo accused the council of “political smoke and mirrors and fluff to avoid answering the actual question” before suggesting the council “tell us why you can’t tell us why.”

He added, “So how do we interpret the supposed transparency that was supposed to happen if you’re not explaining to us a major change in leadership in this city?”

“The actions of the Long Beach council are inexplicable and extremely unprincipled,” said Bob Master, the state chairman of the Working Families Party, according to the Long Beach Herald. “To do this while Anthony is away on vacation, without giving him a chance to discuss whatever issues they might have, seems remarkably unfair. I’ve heard that [the council] had some complaints, but they’ve given Anthony no opportunity to work things out with them. It seems like some kind of politically motivated hit job, and we’re pretty unhappy about it.”

Watch the full council meeting below:

Photo via City of Long Beach

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