HUNTINGTON BEACH

City Atty. Gail Hutton may have gotten more than she bargained for when she asked the City Council to promote members of her staff. Hutton asked that two deputy attorneys be given supervisory positions. The council agreed but also approved an audit of her office. “If, indeed, the organization [of her office] is correct, an audit will confirm that,” said Councilman Ralph H. Bauer, who suggested the audit, noting that the promotions may be masking managerial problems. Hutton said she opposes an audit, adding that she answers to voters who have reelected her for the last 21 years. Hutton said the promotions are justified, and she needs help supervising the city’s enormous legal workload.