Tuite’s Role in Housing Project
Key facts were omitted and others taken out of context in The Times’ article on Sheridan Manor, a low-income housing project assisted by the Community Redevelopment Agency (Metro, Feb. 9).
* I worked for H.R. Washington as a consultant (not a lobbyist) from December, 1984, to February, 1986, and was involved in many other projects besides Sheridan Manor. My work with Washington was completed a full six months before I became CRA administrator and a full two years before I signed the memos cited in your article.
* Since I no longer had any financial stake in the project, there would have been no legal conflict of interest even if I had participated in Sheridan Manor discussions. Nonetheless, I publicly removed myself from any deliberations that led to recommendations by staff and decisions by the CRA board and City Council in awarding the contract precisely because I wanted to eliminate any perception of favoritism. I delegated full authority in this regard to my chief deputy administrator and to the CRA deputy administrator for housing services.
* The document referenced in the article is a routine transmittal letter conveying to the City Council and the mayor’s office an action taken by the CRA Board of Commissioners and asking that the council schedule the item for its consideration. Under CRA procedures, the administrator signs all transmittal letters forwarding action items and attachments to the City Council. I did not take part in any discussions with staff, the board or City Council on this matter. After the CRA board made its decision, it was proper for me as administrator to sign the transmittal letter and urge the council to endorse the agency’s action.
* Reference to my “controversial severance package” has nothing to do with the Sheridan Manor investigation; it reflects the reporters’ bias. Moreover, the figure cited is inaccurate and taken out of context.
It is appropriate that The Times scrutinize the actions of a public agency; however, this article presents a skewed picture of the facts. CRA is entitled to balanced coverage.
JOHN J. TUITE, CRA Administrator, Los Angeles
