Labor Leader James Wood Named to Parks Commission

Longtime labor and civic leader James M. Wood has been chosen by Mayor Richard Riordan to fill a vacant seat on the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Commission, the mayor’s office announced Friday.

Wood, executive secretary treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, was chairman of the Community Redevelopment Agency board during former Mayor Tom Bradley’s Administration. A board member for United Way, Wood also serves on the Los Angeles Convention Center Task Force and is a member of Progress L.A., a nonprofit group of business leaders working to overhaul the city’s permit system.

Riordan, whose interest in turning some city services over to private operators raised the hackles of city employees and their unions, called Wood’s labor union background an asset.

“Jim’s expertise in labor issues is well-matched by his civic spirit. He will bring a wide range of talents to City Hall,” Riordan said.

Wood, whose appointment requires City Council confirmation, would replace Edith R. Perez, recently named to the Police Commission. The term expires June 30, 1997.

The parks board oversees all the city’s recreational facilities and programs, including the problem-plagued Los Angeles Zoo.