Chick to watch state's federal stimulus money

Los Angeles City Controller Laura Chick, whose dogged pursuit of waste and abuse often put her at odds with other elected officials, is Sacramento bound. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will announce this afternoon that he is naming Chick to a newly created post as inspector general of the federal stimulus money that flows into the state.

A statement from the governor says Chick’s job in the $175,000-a-year position will be to “make sure the funds we receive from the Recovery Act are used with accountability and transparency.”

“Laura’s impressive track record as a watchdog and public servant makes her uniquely qualified,” Schwarzenegger said in the statement.

Chick has been city controller since 2001. In that time, she embarrassed city officials for their incompetence in handling a range of issues. Her reports shed light on failures to test rape kits, contracting blunders and conflicts, hazing at the Fire Department and the over-billing scandal at the Department and Water and Power.

Her job in Sacramento will be to help keep a tight rein on the $50 billion in economic stimulus money the federal government is directing toward California’s state and local governments, as well as nonprofits and school districts.

“I am going to Sacramento to deter, detect and disclose any waste, fraud and abuse of these precious stimulus dollars," Chick said in a statement.

Schwarzenegger created the position by executive order.

-- Evan Halper

Comments

[Jon]

We should have her here to provide fiscal oversight for the state of Washington...

[sheila]

yay! she is awesome and i hope she can clean up at least a small portion of the mess that our state is in! ms. chick, if you are reading this, please remember the beleaguered ratepayers of this state, who need AB 811 funding so we can become independent from the Big Energy mercenaries destroying our planet and bankrupting us!!

[Hmmm....]

The Daily News says Chick will be paid only $125,000/ year, so this is more like it. Besides, don't state employees get generous benefits like free car repairs, trips home to L A, etc.?

Although Chick has been more political locally and more inclined to hog the spotlight than share it sometimes, it's great she'll be bringing home the bacon from Washington.

While I don't believe in principle in the government throwing all those trillions at banks which screwed up and loan customers who bit off more than they knew they could chew, if money's being thrown around we sure should get some. As it is Arnold says we pay 20% more to Washington than we get back.

[Rizzo]

Finally this guy does something right.

[Bonny]

"$175,000-a-year position"

Looks like we've already found a place to start cutting back.

[Ruben]

I had no idea what the Office of the Controller did until Laura Chick took office. She is perfect for this position to watch over our funds. Just like a pit-bull...with lipstick!

[Ay, Ay, Ay]

Who will watch the city's finances now?

This is bad for L.A. City

[Deborah Pecoraro]

I support Ms Chick and I am ready and willing to do my part.
There are many ways the public can help our state to regain the former economy,lifestye, and status we were accustom
to. D. Pecoraro