Norwalk council certifies election results, swears in reelected members; Tony Aiella chosen mayor

The Norwalk City Council on Dec. 10 adopted a resolution certifying the results of the Nov. 5, 2024 consolidated election, swore in three reelected councilmembers and completed its annual reorganization by selecting Vice Mayor Tony Aiella as mayor and Councilmember Jennifer Perez as vice mayor.

City Clerk Theresa Devoy told the council the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder canvass showed 36,230 ballots cast — about a 62% turnout of 58,277 registered voters — and that vote-by-mail ballots totaled 24,611 (about 68% of ballots). Devoy recommended adoption of Resolution No. 24-63, “declaring the results of the general municipal election held Nov. 5, 2024.” The council adopted the resolution by roll-call vote, with all members voting "aye."

After the certification, Devoy administered the oath of office to Margarita Rios, Rick Ramirez and Anna Valencia, each sworn for four-year terms.

Mayor Margarita Rios, who completed the yearlong mayoral term that culminated in the ceremony, reflected on the past year’s priorities and accomplishments. “Serving as your mayor has been a true honor,” she said, citing neighborhood cleanups, park improvements and the city’s work on veterans’ housing and a health fair.

During the reorganization portion of the meeting, Councilmembers opened nominations for mayor. Councilmembers nominated Vice Mayor Tony Aiella; the nomination was seconded and approved by voice vote. Aiella was sworn in as mayor and immediately opened nominations for vice mayor; Councilmember Jennifer Perez was nominated, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Councilmembers Rick Ramirez and Anna Valencia offered brief remarks congratulating their colleagues and expressing readiness to work under the new leadership. Ramirez said he looked forward to continuing work on development projects and maintaining an open-door approach to constituent concerns.

The council recessed for a reception after the meeting.