County Councilmember Andrew Friedson was elected Council president Tuesday.
Friedson, who previously served as Council vice president, was unanimously approved by his fellow councilmembers. Councilmember Kate Stewart was unanimously chosen as vice president.
Friedson said “transparency and accountability will be our governing doctrine” as councilmembers work toward shared policy goals.
“We will boldly embrace our oversight role like never before,” he said, and that begins with public schools. He said efforts must be redoubled to address housing and climate crises. Friedson said the council will support public safety personnel and first responders and will continue to give needed resources to faith-based and nonprofit organizations facing threats.
Friedson said in coming weeks, he will announce first steps toward a new economic development vision.
Stewart is the first woman of the new female-majority council elected in 2022 to serve as council leadership, per a press release.
“We have a willingness of coming together, even when we disagree, to really listen to each other and to listen to our community and to collaborate and move forward,” Stewart said, “and I look forward to continuing to do that.”
The new terms begin immediately.
Outgoing Council President Evan Glass, the first openly gay councilmember, said it was an honor to lead the council. He noted the body “made history as the most diverse council ever.” He said it was his goal to expand representation and foster more diversity on the council when he led the initiative to add two council districts.
The first action Glass had taken as council president was the creation of the Economic Development Committee. Glass said he has pushed for more transparency in county government. He said he is pleased that during the last year, two road safety initiatives were passed. Also, the Anti-Hate Task Force was launched under his leadership.
Friedson joined Tuesday’s meeting virtually after getting COVID-19 a few days ago, Glass said.
