Council Confirms Appointment of CRA Chief
Despite reservations, the Los Angeles City Council on Friday confirmed the appointment of Jerry Scharlin as administrator of the Community Redevelopment Agency.
But the council rejected a request by the CRA board for a four-year term, and instead gave Scharlin an 18-month contract as head of the city’s premier blight-fighting agency.
Councilman Nate Holden told his colleagues that the shorter term will give Scharlin, who has served as interim CRA director for the last 18 months, time to prove his merit.
“We would give Mr. Scharlin an opportunity to demonstrate his skills and abilities for one year for the new mayor coming aboard. And then it is up to him,” Holden said.
The CRA board is appointed by the mayor. When Mayor Richard Riordan’s term ends July 1, the new mayor will appoint a board.
Friday’s vote was unanimous, although some council members expressed concern about Scharlin’s handling of allegations of financial improprieties.
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