Emergency Measure Would Allow New Bell Council To Take Office Soon

BELL (AP) — Bell's interim city manager is calling on California lawmakers to pass an emergency measure allowing the scandal-plagued city's newly elected officials to take office almost immediately.

Interim City Manager Pedro Carrillo says last week's recall election, and a judge's recent order that officials facing criminal charges stay out of City Hall, leaves Bell without a functioning government.

Carrillo wants the Legislature to pass a bill introduced Wednesday by Assemblyman Ricardo Lara. The measure would allow Bell's city clerk to swear in a new council as soon as last week's election results are validated. That is expected to happen next week.

If approved, Lara's bill would take effect immediately.

Eight former Bell officials have been ordered to stand trial on charges of looting millions of dollars from the city.

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