ALARCON BACK IN COUNCIL LAWMAKER BEGINS CARETAKER ROLE FOR 7TH DISTRICT.

Byline: Daily News

State Assemblyman Richard Alarcon was named caretaker Friday for the 7th Council District as he immediately resigned his state post to concentrate on the council seat he won in the March 6 election.

In a late afternoon announcement, Alarcon said the action will allow the state to consolidate an election for his Panorama City Assembly seat May 15 without having to set another special election.

"This will save the taxpayers more than $100,000 and assure a greater voter turnout for the election," Alarcon said. "By taking over as the district caretaker in advance of being sworn in, I can immediately begin to tackle the issues that are important to our neighborhoods."

Alarcon said he is planning a formal swearing-in ceremony for a later time. The seat has been vacant since former Councilman Alex Padilla was elected to the state Senate.

Being named caretaker of the office allows Alarcon to begin serving without being affected by term-limit restrictions.

City Council President Eric Garcetti said he was pleased to take the action.

"By appointing him caretaker and bringing him to City Hall now, the residents of the 7th District will be assured that their voices will continue to be heard on city issues," Garcetti said.

Alarcon served on the council representing the same area from 1993-1998, when he ran and was elected to the state Senate.

When voters approved Measure R last November, giving council members a third four-year term, he decided to seek the council office even though he had just been elected to the Assembly.