In a 6-2 vote, District 8 Councilman Ben Hueso beat out District 6 Councilwoman Donna Frye for council president on Tuesday.

District 3 Councilman Todd Gloria nominated Hueso for council president, who presides over council meetings and sets the council’s agenda docket. Kevin Faulconer, who represents District 2, seconded Gloria’s motion.

“I think Ben has the experience and the leadership to serve us well,” Gloria said. “I believe he has the skills to bring us together as a new council to get the job done, particularly to serve as a check and balance on the strong mayor (form of government).

“As I campaigned, I heard often that people felt the mayor was a strong mayor, but the Council wasn’t there yet. I believe Ben has the ability to do that.”

Hueso, a Democrat, was strongly backed by labor groups, and had the support of a number of public speakers during Tuesday’s council meeting.

Carl DeMaio, Marti Emerald and Tony Young joined Gloria, Faulconer and Hueso to elect Hueso to the post.

District 1 Councilwoman Sherri Lightner nominated Frye for council president. Frye, who voted for herself, only received Lightner’s support during the vote.

Many speakers urged the council to select Frye, who, elected in 2001 to serve after Valerie Stallings resigned, is the longest serving Democrat and member of the council.

DeMaio made a motion that the office be selected on the basis of a coin toss, with one person selected as president for 2009 and the other selected for 2010. DeMaio stood up and held a coin.

“Both of you would make exceptional council presidents,” said DeMaio to Hueso and Frye. No one seconded his motion.

Several speakers mentioned they favored Young for the job, but he indicated no interest.

“I will work with everyone on this council to make sure they move forward the things that are very important to them,” said Hueso.

“I will continue to vote for what I believe in,” Hueso said. “I do believe in quality jobs for San Diego. I believe in improving the quality of life for San Diegans and I believe in making San Diego a much better place to want to work in and visit in.”

Hueso is also a member of the California Coastal Commission. On Dec. 16, Hueso will nominate his choice for council president pro tem, who will take his place when he is absent.

The council will also meet on Dec. 16 to consider Hueso’s recommendations for chairing the various committees and who should sit on those committees.