Gabriela Coletta Zapata says she has secured Boston City Council presidency

"Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata announced Monday that she has secured enough votes to become the body's new president. Coletta Zapata represents East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End on the council, which chooses a new president every two years. Councilors hoping to assume the title typically jockey for position and privately negotiate with their colleagues during the period surrounding the November elections."

"Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune is the council's current president but must step down in January since councilors cannot serve two consecutive terms in the position. The council president generally guides the work of the body, presiding over weekly meetings, naming the members of various standing committees, and assigning matters to those committees for hearings and further deliberations. The council president serves as acting mayor whenever the current mayor is absent from the city or unable to perform their duties."

""I'm proud to have had the privilege of serving the residents of Boston for eight years with the City Council. I deeply believe in this institution and in the vital role we play in improving the lives of Bostonians every day," she said in a statement."

Gabriela Coletta Zapata has secured sufficient support from fellow councilors to become Boston City Council president and will take the position at the start of the council's new term in January. Coletta Zapata represents East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End and recently won reelection in District 1 with 82.5% of the vote. The current president, Ruthzee Louijeune, must step down because council rules bar consecutive terms in the presidency. The council president presides over meetings, sets committee memberships and assignments, and serves as acting mayor when the mayor is absent. The council will formally vote during its first meeting of the new year.

Read at Boston.com