The Chelsea City Council will convene on Tuesday, Jan. 3, for an organizational meeting to elect new officers, with the selection of a Council President being the main item on the agenda.
Unlike previous years when the presidency has typically been decided by December, this year’s race remained competitive. Following the Council’s annual straw poll on Tuesday, Dec. 20, however, Councillor Leo Robinson appeared to have emerged as the frontrunner.
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Councillor Damali Vidot is expected to retain her position as vice president, while Councillor Luis Tejada is anticipated to assume the role of School Committee liaison.
Robinson previously served as Council President two years before the current officeholder, Dan Cortell. This would mark his fifth term wielding the gavel.
Robinson had apparently secured sufficient support during the fall. A challenge materialized after Thanksgiving when several councillors mounted a campaign on behalf of Councillor Judith Garcia, seeking to bring a young, Latina voice to the presidency. These councillors attempted to peel away some of Robinson’s supporters, but their efforts stalled at approximately four votes.
The officer elections will take place at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers on Jan. 3.