(April 7, 2004) -- Dr. Paul Schmidt, chair of a Mayor and Council-selected task force formed to recommend changes to LB's City Charter (the city's constitution/government powers document) has resigned effective immediately, indicating unanticipated personal matters for his decision.

The announcement came in an April 7 memorandum to members of the task force by LB Mayor Beverly O'Neill. "Dr. Schmidt's background, insights and thoughtful approach to the important discussions of the task force will be missed," said the memo.

The Mayor's memo said the City Clerk would hold an election for a new voting chair from among other committee members. (Dr. Schmidt held a non-voting chair position; the other committee members have votes.)

The new voting chair will be selected from the committee at the beginning of its next meeting scheduled for Monday, April 12th at 6:00 p.m. at LB's Water Department Administration Building.

The members of the Task Force (nominated by Councilmember or Mayor as indicated) are: Richard Powers (Dist. 1), Bry Myown (Dist. 2), Hon. George Deukmejian (Dist. 3), Bruce MacRae (Dist. 4), Roy Hearrean (Dist. 5), Katherine Bayard (Dist. 6), James Willis Morgan, Jr. (Dist. 7), Lew Nelson (Dist. 8), Harry Saltzgaver (Dist. 9), Rueben Pacheco (Mayor appointment), Lou Anne Bynum (Mayor), Dr. Thomas Clark (Mayor).

Related coverage:

March, 2004: We List Topics Proposed For Consideration By Mayor/Council-Selected "Gov't Reform Task Force"