Ron Menor For Honolulu City Council Chair?
A City Council reorganization could depose Ernie Martin as chairman.
The Honolulu City Council may be getting a new boss.
Councilman Ron Menor has proposed a reorganization plan that’s expected to have the support of at least four of the nine Council members.
In a Monday news release, Menor said he is joining Ikaika Anderson, Kymberly Marcos Pine and Joey Manahan in introducing a resolution to nominate a new slate of officers.
If approved at the Jan. 3 Council meeting, Menor would become chair, Anderson vice chair and Pine majority floor leader.
“We support a reorganization because we believe that a periodic reorganization of a legislative body and changes in leadership structure can contribute to a healthy infusion of new ideas and approaches to problems and issues, and instill new energy and enthusiasm into the process,” Menor stated in the release. “I would also like to give several of my colleagues who served with me in the state Legislature, the opportunity to utilize their considerable legislative skills and talents in high-level leadership positions on the Council.”
Councilman Ernie Martin has been chair since June 2011.
Under a reorganization, it’s possible that Budget Chair Ann Kobayashi and Zoning Chair Trevor Ozawa may lose their leadership posts, too.
Menor said he is hoping for a Council structure that will promote “a low-key leadership style, with an emphasis on collaboration.”
He also said the Council will not be “a rubber stamp” for Mayor Kirk Caldwell.
He added:
Where we have differences with the administration, every effort will be made to engage in a constructive dialogue and work to arrive at a consensus or “middle ground.” When this isn’t possible, we will “agree to disagree” in a respectful manner. We know there will always be differences of opinion between the executive and legislative branches on some important policy matters, but we will respect the right of the executive branch to hold different viewpoints.
In a related development, Anderson recently introduced a resolution calling for greater transparency regarding Council committee assignments and rosters
During the 2016 mayoral election, Kobayashi, Martin and Ozawa backed Caldwell’s challenger, Charles Djou.
Caldwell, who was re-elected Nov. 8, was supported by Anderson, Pine and Brandon Elefante.
Menor and Councilwoman Carol Fukunaga made no endorsement.
The mayor’s office declined comment. But Martin released a statement:
“It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the chair and presiding officer of the Honolulu City Council. The job comes with a lot more than a gavel and a larger office. “We are responsible for planning the policies and appropriating the money to run our city while balancing the power of the executive branch. I am grateful that my colleagues have trusted me with the leadership of this body since June 2011. “Council member Menor is a dedicated public servant who works hard for his constituents. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the administration to address the serious issues facing our city.”
