Panel OKs Hiring Advisor on Renewing Williams’ Contract

A Los Angeles City Council panel on Tuesday gave the nod to hiring a private attorney to advise the Los Angeles Police Commission in the coming months as it decides whether to renew the contract of Police Chief Willie L. Williams.

Richard Alatorre, chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee, said Williams and his lawyer had written letters to the commission raising questions about the commission’s authority to review the chief’s performance. Although the charter grants the commission authority to evaluate the chief and decide whether to hire him for a second five-year term, a separate charter provision sets up committees that evaluate each general manager, leaving the chief with two evaluations processes and sets of goals.

Alatorre and Councilman Mike Feuer voted Tuesday to recommend a contract of up to $75,000 with the Santa Monica law firm of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker. Councilwoman Rita Walters dissented. The full council must approve the contract for it to take effect.