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Quan Appoints Sandre Swanson As Oakland's Deputy Mayor

OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- Oakland Mayor Jean Quan announced Friday that she has appointed termed-out state Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Oakland, to become her deputy mayor.

Swanson, 64, a veteran local politician who supported Quan in her 2010 mayoral campaign, will fill a post that has been vacant since Lewis Cohen resigned on Jan. 1. He will start work on Monday.

Quan said in a statement, "Sandre will add years of high-level administrative and public policy experience to City Hall and will make an invaluable member of our team."

She said, "This is an important and exciting appointment as we continue to move our city forward and improve the quality of life for everyone in Oakland."

Swanson previously served as chief of staff for both Congresswoman Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, and former Congressman Ron Dellums.

Swanson said in a statement that he is looking forward to his new job and that public safety and job creation are among his top priorities.

"I'm excited to join the mayor's administration. I think I can make a significant contribution and I look forward to working with her to implement her strategies for moving the city forward," he said.

Swanson's annual salary will be $140,000.

He has served in the California State Assembly for the past six years but his term is expiring today.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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