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Perry Quits Leadership Post In LA City Council Over 'Disbelief', 'Disgust'

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Longtime City Councilwoman Jan Perry stepped down from her leadership role on Friday amid what she said was a flurry of backroom politics and behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

Perry, who has served as the president pro tempore since 2009, said she will stay on as a council member.

She cited private talks about potential replacements for Council president Eric Garcetti when he steps down at the end of the year as one of the reasons behind the move.

"We need to have a very open, very on-the-record process, and my concerns are that that's not happening," said Perry.

She also pointed to new boundary lines for the council's 15 districts are being redrawn in secret — a development she openly opposes.

"I have a First Amendment right to express my disagreement, my disbelief, my disgust," she said.

Perry, who is running for mayor of Los Angeles, plans to introduce a motion to ask all 21 members of the Redistricting Commission to reveal any secret talks.

The panel began drawing up  new voting boundaries for the City Council and school district in September.

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