The hasty swearing in was authorized by the Legislature, who voted to mandate that the city clerk swear the council in within 48 hours of today’s vote.
The vote of the Supervisors was a rare step in a municipal election, but because both a quorum and majority of the council was facing recall, Bell’s council has been defunct for several months. In order to take action in seating the new Council Members someone had to vote.
From the Los Angeles Times:
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday officially accepted the results of Bell’s recent city election, which paves the way for Bell’s all-new, all-novice City Council to be sworn in within 48 hours.
A decision has not yet been made on when to hold the swearing-in ceremony. It will likely be made by the end of the business day Tuesday, said Magdalena Prado, a senior management analyst with the city.
According to emergency legislation passed by California lawmakers, Bell’s city clerk is required to swear in the newly elected city council within 48 hours after the election results are certified.
Read the full article here.