Bates’ Successor Picked to Lead League of Cities
The League of California Cities, an advocacy and lobbying group for local government, this month named a new president to succeed Los Alamitos Mayor Ronald Bates.
Turlock Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn Ratto was selected as the new president during the league’s centennial conference Oct. 2-4 in Long Beach. She will serve a year, as is tradition.
Bates, named president in 1996, served a rare two terms. He was appointed to the office when a councilman from Eureka unexpectedly lost his seat in municipal elections, negating his chance to serve the league because only elected officials can hold office.
Bates will continue to serve the league as immediate past president. Los Angeles City Council President John Ferraro will serve as first vice president.
About 2,500 city officials from throughout the state attended the convention in Long Beach.
Established in 1898, the league represents and serves each of California’s 471 incorporated cities.
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