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The victory of former legislative deputy Martin Ludlow in Tuesday's runoff election, coupled with the March elections of former police chief Bernard C. Parks and former state legislators Tony Cardenas and Antonio Villaraigosa, is widely expected to infuse the Los Angeles City Council with a new boldness.
When the newly formed council takes office July 1, those four new members will bring with them a combination of political savvy, outsized personalities and a commitment to a liberal social agenda.
Tuesday's other victor, Greig Smith, will replace his former boss in the 12th District, retiring Councilman Hal Bernson, as one of only two Republicans on the already liberal body.
On Wednesday, hours after many council members danced to Kool & the Gang's "Celebration" at Ludlow's victory party, City Hall was buzzing about how the council will change with the new arrivals. Parks is already serving as councilman, having taken over the empty 8th District seat of now-Assemblyman Mark Ridley-Thomas days after his election.
"I'm totally psyched," Councilman Eric Garcetti said. "There will be a progressive bloc of council members ... an even more activist council."
On the agenda: affordable housing, economic development and improved transportation. Public safety will also continue to be a major issue, council members said.
"I think it's a net plus for progressives, no question about that," said Ridley-Thomas, who left the council in November.
With their long records of public service, political know-how and ambitious agendas, many expect the new lawmakers to further embolden a City Council that recently has begun to challenge Mayor James K. Hahn, particularly on his budget proposal.
"Between the combination of term limits and some really larger- than-life personalities that are coming to the council, I think you're going to see a new assertiveness," said political consultant Harvey Englander.
Deputy Mayor Matt Middlebrook said Hahn is confident he will work well with the council's new lawmakers.
"Everyone has the same goal, and that is making the city of Los Angeles better,"...