Posted on: Wednesday, February 13, 2002

DeSoto nears council leadership decision

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser City Hall Writer

The City Council is moving toward replacing Jon Yoshimura as its chairman with former Chairman John DeSoto, just days after a state disciplinary panel recommended that Yoshimura be suspended from practicing law for six months.

DeSoto said he has been approached by his colleagues to take over as chairman. He said he is not ready to make a formal announcement because he is still discussing the issues with other council members and trying to find a role for everyone.

But it's clear there's been dissatisfaction on the council for some time and discussion of new leadership since September. Last month's election of former state Sen. Ann Kobayashi to replace former councilman and convicted felon Andy Mirikitani gives the council an opportunity to reconsider its entire leadership. Kobayashi is scheduled to be sworn in next week.

The leader of the council earns more money — $48,450 compared to the members' salary of $43,350 — has higher visibility, wields influence over what issues move forward and helps set the tone for the council's relationship with the city administration.

Yoshimura said he would like to remain as chairman until the end of June. He has been criticized for having too cozy a relationship with Mayor Jeremy Harris, an accusation he dismisses.

DeSoto said he's heard from people in and out of City Hall that they want to see more open discussion of controversies. "If we were here to be a rubber stamp, then there's no sense having a legislative branch," he said.

Councilman Gary Okino tossed out his own name for consideration as chairman. "Generally, the feeling is there need to be a change in leadership," Okino said.

Yoshimura maintains that the council has run well during his three years as chairman. "My personal problems have affected me personally, but it hasn't affected my work as chair."

Felix praised Yoshimura for his past service but noted that that Yoshimura's recent discipline for lying about the 1999 traffic accident has detracted from the council business.