Riordan Assailed for Rehiring Controversial Ex-Official
Los Angeles City Council members blasted Mayor Richard Riordan on Friday for employing a controversial former deputy mayor to consult on his campaign to create a government reform panel.
Mike Keeley, an attorney who acted as Riordan’s chief operating officer, resigned in May after admitting that he had leaked confidential information to lawyers on the opposing side of a contract dispute with the city.
In April, the council gave Keeley a vote of “no confidence,” pressuring him to resign or become a liability to Riordan.
Keeley confirmed Friday that he has been a legal consultant on Riordan’s petition drive to create an elected panel that would rewrite the 71-year-old charter that acts as the city’s constitution.
But in a statement, Councilman Nate Holden, a vocal critic of Riordan’s campaign, blasted Keeley’s involvement in the campaign.
“How can the citizens trust any initiative, managed by Mike Keeley, when he has been cited for unethical conduct?” Holden asked.
Rick Taylor, a political consultant who is heading Riordan’s petition drive, declined to comment on matter.
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