Jones Reappointed to City Council – Pasadena Now | #citycouncil

After an impassioned speech Brandon Lamar withdrew his name from the District 3 appointment process on Thursday night.

“I am withdrawing my name from this application process and I will see you in 2024,” Lamar said.

The withdrawal cleared the way for Justin Jones to return to the City Council. 

“Your withdrawal is a surprise but I would encourage you to continue down the path you started,” said Mayor Victor Gordo.

Lamar started his presentation first after the applicants drew lots.  

Each applicants had five to seven minutes to make his case for the seat and then answered scripted and unscripted questions. Lamar gave his presentation first after the applicants drew lots. 

“I’m sure so many people are asking, ‘Why does he continue to put himself through this?” Lamar said.

Lamar said he was born in 1992 during the riots and his grandparents brought him to Pasadena. He said he has made himself available to people who have been the victims of senseless violence.

He lost his cousin to senseless violence in the Halloween Murders which brought attention to the City’s gang problem at a time when City leaders were reticent to admit that gang issues existed in Pasadena. 

“It is important we listen to those we serve. As diverse as Pasadena is there are still communities that feel left out,” Lamar said. 

After Lamar highlighted the divisiveness that the appointment process has caused, he withdrew his application from the process. 

Supporters of Jones and Lamar have clashed since Jones was appointed in September by the City Council. Progressives supporting Lamar claimed that Jones was appointed only so he could fill Mayor Gordo’s agenda. 

Jones made his presentation after Lamar left the chambers.

“All I have ever wanted to do is serve the City of Pasadena,” Jones said. It has poured so much into me, it is only right that I give back. I am ready to get to work.” 

The seat became vacant when Councilmember John Kennedy died in July. Jones was appointed to fill the seat, but the seat became vacant due to Kennedy’s victory in the June Primary.

One caller said residents could recall the District 3  council member and then get a candidate in office via a special election.

However, the recall process has changed and a successful recall would now result in the City Council being forced back to square one and appointing a council member, and that could even be the recalled official.

The City Council received 91 letters in support of Lamar, and 143 in support of Jones.

 

Lamar received more letters from District 3 supporting his appointment.