Luis Quintana Sharpe James.JPG

Luis Quintana, pictured with former Newark Mayor Sharpe James in this file photo, appears to be a lock as Newark's interim mayor.

(Star-Ledger file photo)

NEWARK — Newark City Council President Luis Quintana appears to have the votes needed to become the city's interim mayor, finishing out Cory Booker's term, which ends June 30, 2014.

In statement this week, at least six council members publicly declared their support for Quintana once Booker steps down, which is expected shortly before he is sworn in as a U.S. Senator next Thursday.

“Luis Quintana has the experience to lead the city during this period of transition,” North Ward Councilman and mayoral candidate Anibal Ramos said in a statement. “I have confidence in his ability to carry out the work that needs to be done during these next few months."

Along with Ramos, Quintana's also has the backing of councilmen Augusto Amador and and Carlos Gonzalez, both of whom confirmed their support in interviews with The Star-Ledger.

South Ward Councilman and mayoral candidate Ras Baraka also issued a statement supporting Quintana.

"In choosing Luis Quintana as Newark’s first Latino mayor, we will be making history as well as recognizing the rising influence of the Latino Community in our city," Baraka said. "More important, the City Council will be choosing an experienced and knowledgeable man who is the longest serving member of our City Council."

This morning, mayoral candidate and Central Ward Councilman Darrin Sharif declared his intention to vote for Quintana.

“As we move forward, our city needs an interim Mayor with governmental experience, as well as successfully established relationships with elected officials and community partners throughout the state and around the country," Sharif said. "Council President Luis Quintana has both that experience and those relationships."

Along with Quintana's vote, which presumably will be for himself, that makes six, but he only needs five to win. A vote is expected within the next two weeks. There are nine seats on the council.

Quintana has asked Booker's department directors to stay on until the mayoral election in May. The only confirmed departure from the Booker administration is his chief of staff, Modia Butler, who will become Booker's state director.

Development Director and Deputy Mayor Adam Zipkin is also rumored to be leaving as is Police Director Samuel DeMaio. The timing of those departures has not been determined.

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