LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's recent appointments seem to indicate he has buried the hatchet with Wendy Greuel, his leading opponent for mayor in 2013.
Garcetti appointed the former city controller and councilwoman to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority's Board of Commissioners on Jan. 12. Then on Monday, he appointed Greuel's former chief of staff, Claire Bartels, as general manager of the city's Office of Finance.
After serving as Greuel's chief of staff during her eight years a councilmember and four years in the controller's office, Bartels continued in that role as chief of staff under current controller, Ron Galperin, who was elected in 2013.
"Claire brings institutional knowledge, years of experience running complex operations, and fiscal management expertise to the Office of Finance," Garcetti said in a statement. "Her knowledge and understanding of customer service, and her commitment to transparency, give her the tools necessary to enhance and modernize the department."
The Office of Finance collects taxes and permit fees, handles cash management and short-term investments. The office works alongside the Controller's Office and City Administrative Office in handling the city's fiscal services.
Galperin said her appointment will further strengthen the partnership between finance and the controller's office.
In the controller's office, she oversaw the successful implementation of the new enterprise financial management system and helped launch ControlPanelLA, opening the way to greater transparency and accountability through open financial data, according to the mayor's office. She also headed former Mayor Richard Riordan's $36 million Targeted Neighborhood Initiative in 2000, which provided neighborhoods with economic development resources to combat blight.
"I look forward to working with the Mayor, the Controller, and stakeholders to modernize the department," Bartels said.
Bartels replaces Antoinette Christovale, who retired earlier this month with over 16 years of Service.
Deputy Mayor Matt Szabo will serve as the interim General Manager for the Office of Finance as Bartels transitions from her role as Deputy Chief Controller to General Manager.
The City Council has to confirm the appointment.
The LAHSA Commission has the authority to make budgetary, funding, planning and program policies for federal funding allocated to homelessness programming in the L.A. region.
Greuel currently serves as a consultant for the Discovery Cube Los Angeles (DCLA), a children's science museum that focuses on STEM proficiency, early learning, healthy living, and environmental sustainability.
