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Jim Hahn's administration at City Hall has a rep for removing commissioners without any thanks for their volunteer time (only the Public Works commissioners get a salary). Sometimes the firing comes by letter or email, leaving hard feelings. Now Nathan Brogin, appointed just last year to the South Valley Area Planning Commission, has resigned ahead of the axe and charged that Hahn "violated a trust and confidence." He's upset that Hahn moved to replace him with a woman, following criticism from Controller Laura Chick that not enough women sit on commissions. Brogin sent a letter to the mayor and the city council, and I guess to reporters, blasting Hahn.
"Mr. Mayor, was I not the right gender, or other priority consideration, in support of your political goals? When on Dec. 2, 2004, I met personally with Tim McOsker, your chief of staff, no explanation of my removal was offered. In the week since, I have received three phone calls soliciting my financial support of your reelection campaign."
He also said that Hahn "impugned my integrity...I will be pleased to rely on my track record of integrity and hard work, and you likely will be mired in your own." Stories in the Times and Daily News.
Also in City Hall: The council gave its OK for Mayor Hahn's $11 billion renovation of the runways and terminals at LAX. The votes broke 12-3, with Hahn's reelection challengers Bernard Parks and Antonio Villaraigosa (and Villaraigosa supporter Jack Weiss) opposed. Meanwhile, the county Board of Supervisors says it will go to court if necessary to stop the work. Stories in the Times, Daily News and Daily Breeze. Also, the Times covers Bob Hertzberg's school bus trek around the city to push breaking up the LAUSD. * And: City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo's lone challenger drops out.