LOS ANGELES — After a recent change in the makeup of the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners, a local congresswoman Friday expressed concerns about what she called the lack of local representation on the panel for the Harbor area.

Rep. Nanette Barragán, D-San Pedro, noted that in the last 17 months, the number of board seats occupied by Harbor-area residents was reduced from three to one.

"It is critical that commission deliberations and decisions include and reflect the concerns of the local communities that are most impacted by port operations," Barragán said in a statement Friday morning. "The communities of Wilmington and San Pedro are on the front lines and directly impacted by port challenges including traffic, environmental pollution, public health issues, and a labor workforce adapting to a rapidly changing industry."

She added the Harbor communities "deserve and should have a greater voice at the table."

Earlier this month, Mayor Karen Bass opted not to reappoint Commissioner Diane Middleton, who was appointed to the board in 2019. Middleton was elected to serve as the vice president of the board in 2023.

Bass instead nominated John Pérez, a former Speaker of the state Assembly, where he served from 2008-14. The decision sparked criticism from some Harbor area residents and labor groups.

"We thank Ms. Middleton for her five and a half years of service and completing her full term on the Board of Harbor Commissioners and to the city," Zach Seidl, spokesman for Bass, said in a statement. "The mayor is committed to representation from the local community and a commission that will continue to work to support the port's service to the entire region, state and country."

In a brief letter sent to City Council on Aug. 14, Bass wrote that Pérez is "especially qualified by reason of training and experience" to serve on the board. The City Council has until Sept. 27 to finalize the nomination.

The Port of Los Angeles has been the No. 1 port in the country for the last 24 years, according to Bass' office. Nearly 40% of all imports into the country come through the port complex.

LA City Councilman Tim McOsker, who represents the 15th District, which includes the Port of Los Angeles and Harbor neighborhoods, told City News Service in a phone interview he was "deeply disappointed" with the mayor's decision.

McOsker commended Middleton for her years on the board, while also expressing his concerns about the board's composition. Edward Renwick from West Los Angeles, Lucille Roybal-Allard from the central area of the city, and Michael Munoz from East Los Angeles now serve on the board, making Lee Williams, from San Pedro, the lone voice on behalf of the Harbor communities.

The councilman said he wants to sponsor a ballot measure to require two local residents on the Harbor Commission.

Middleton told City News Service in a phone interview that she was also disappointed by Bass' choice.

"We're the ones that live here. We're the ones that deal with the pollution and the congestion and everything that happens," Middleton said. "We are part of the largest port in the western hemisphere. It's a big burden." 

The 50-year resident of San Pedro and attorney explained that for years it was common practice for three of the five commissioners to live in the Harbor area — one from Wilmington, San Pedro, and one representing the labor force, which she held. 

"I represented longshoremen and strip yard workers my whole life. I know these industries," Middleton said. "I'm one of those commissioners that asked a lot of questions, and the community liked that because they wanted to know what was happening with the board."

Middleton said there's a lot of change happening as a result of artificial intelligence technology and automation. She added, "We don't want more jobs to be lost."

"Local people have grown up with the port. They know a lot more about the port because they live here," Middleton said. "The biggest thing, it's local people that know the issues that need to be addressed."

Middleton said she supports McOsker's proposed measure. She added that for the time being, they'll listen to Harbor residents so together they can decide their next steps.