Ross elected City Council president

BOSTON. City Councilor Michael Ross was unanimously elected the body’s president yesterday by his peers, becoming the council’s first-ever Jewish leader.

Ross, 37, represents Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Mission Hill and the Fenway.

He said dealing with the city’s budget will be a top priority and called for a summit with business leaders to share ideas on helping the city withstand the current economic situation.

He also pledged to hold council meetings in the neighborhoods at night and called for all council documents to be filed electronically and be posted online to increase transparency.

As the council’s oldest member, Chuck Turner presided over the first meeting of 2009. Turner faces federal bribery charges, and previous Council President Maureen Feeney has ordered a review of his standing.

Yesterday, Ross said he supports Feeney, and though he didn’t endorse all of her actions, he said, “it would be pretty radical to undo any actions taken by my predecessor.”

But he acknowledged the Turner situation must ultimately be dealt with.

“I am very proud to have the support of Councilor Turner and he is someone I am glad to share the gavel with,” he said.