Inglewood City Councilmember Gloria Gray returned for her first in-person council meeting on Tuesday after a five-month medical absence.
The three-year councilmember, who has dialed remotely into a number of council meetings since mid-December, told The LA Local she plans to be on the council chamber dais for future meetings, too.
Gray said she had a major back surgery that kept her from attending meetings, but that she never disengaged from city business and kept connecting with District 1 residents by phone.
“I am very excited about being back at the dais,” she said. “I have never been gone.”
Gray’s colleagues voted in March to excuse her from attending meetings through May 5. State law and Inglewood’s city charter require elected officials who are absent from city meetings for longer than 60 days to vacate their seats, though the City Council can vote to permit absences.
Gray wore a frequent smile as she moved around the council chambers during Tuesday’s council meeting with the help of a cane and an assistant.
“You were missed so I’m glad to see you are just ready to go,” Councilmember Dionne Faulk said.
Councilmember Eloy Morales Jr. said Gray was “extremely active” during her absence from council chambers and Mayor James Butts said he was pleased to see Gray back after a “tough recovery.” Councilmember Alex Padilla was absent from Tuesday’s meeting.
Gray’s council seat, representing northeast Inglewood’s District 1, will be on the ballot in the Nov. 3 general election. Mayor James Butts and District 2 Councilmember Alex Padilla are also up for reelection.
Gray declined to say if she plans to run again.
