Dela Cruz likely
to lead CouncilThe move to replace Gary Okino
as Council chairman is scheduled
for Nov. 5, sources say
Donovan Dela Cruz is expected to replace Gary Okino as City Council chairman as part of a leadership reorganization, according to sources familiar with the move.
The changes are scheduled to be formalized at the next full Council meeting on Nov. 5. The possibility of a Council reorganization had been brewing for months but the change was firmed up this week, sources said.
At least five members are needed for a leadership shift on the nine-member Council. Already on board were council members Dela Cruz, Ann Kobayashi, Romy Cachola and Rod Tam.
Council sources said Nestor Garcia signed on Thursday and Charles Djou was also expected to join in.
All but Dela Cruz are former members of the state Legislature.
When asked about the planned reorganization yesterday, Dela Cruz said, "We're still in discussions."
The rumblings of a Council leadership shakeup were heard months ago during discussion of the city's fiscal problems.
Okino and Budget Chairwoman Kobayashi have disagreed over the fiscal 2004 budget, with some observers calling it a personality clash.
Okino saw raising property taxes and fees as necessary to generate revenue for the strapped city, while Kobayashi looked first at cuts in services before raising fees and taxes.
Kobayashi, who could not be reached for comment yesterday, has said that talk of reorganization picked up after Okino tried to remove her as budget chairwoman during the summer. Okino said he's disappointed that some Council members want to replace him.
"I just hope if they assume leadership that they continue to keep it fair for everybody," Okino said. "As chair, I tried to keep everyone in the ball game, give everybody a chance to express their views and have a role in the operation of the Council.
"With the new group. I hope they maintain that same kind of attitude."
Okino said he does not know what his new role will be in the new alignment.
"I hope I'll be able to participate equally with the rest of them," he said.
