Karabian to Guide Transit Merger : Politics: Former assemblyman will oversee combining of RTD and LACTC. Some had sought a transportation expert.

Walter J. Karabian, a politically well-connected former state assemblyman, has been hired to guide the merger of the region’s two giant transportation agencies despite complaints from some quarters that a transportation expert would be better suited for the job.

Karabian was chosen this week as facilitator for the January merger of the Southern California Rapid Transit District and the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission.

He was selected by a merger committee of RTD and LACTC officials, chaired by Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alatorre, who once worked as Karabian’s aide in the Assembly.

The panel, which voted 4 to 3 to appoint Karabian, said it valued the former lawmaker’s political expertise and experience in private sector mergers over candidates with more background in transportation administration.

“The feeling was that we needed someone who has experience dealing with a lot of powerful forces and someone who is a proven negotiator,” said Gerard Orozco, an Alatorre aide.

The job, which runs through early next year, will pay $75,000.

Gov. Pete Wilson in May signed legislation requiring the merger, in an effort to eliminate waste and duplication. The agencies have feuded for nearly two decades over how money should be spent for transportation improvements. RTD officials have complained that bus lines were being strapped for cash by the LACTC’s long-term regional rail plans.

Alatorre said at Karabian’s selection Monday that his experience with other mergers, especially the union of the Vons and Safeway supermarket chains, will serve Karabian well. Alatorre said the two organizations have enough expertise in transportation issues.

Three committee members voted for Jack Doolittle, a Connecticut-based consultant with 25 years experience in transportation administration.

“In my mind, the transit experience is the most important,” said Carl Raggio, an RTD board member and vice chairman of the merger committee.

Committee members Jacki Bacharach, a Rancho Palos Verdes councilwoman, and Ray Remy, president of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, said they too would have preferred to hire a consultant with more expertise in transportation.

Joining Alatorre were committee members Nick Patsaouras, Mas Fukai and Marvin Holen. All four sit on both the RTD and LACTC boards.