HUD opens HACLA inquiry
The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development has launched a new investigation into Los Angeles' beleaguered housing authority, officials revealed this week.
The investigation of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles began on Dec. 16, said Gene Gibson, regional public affairs officer for HUD's San Francisco bureau. Dakota Smith in the Daily News.
It follows an audit released last week by City Controller Wendy Greuel that found a lack of oversight in the agency's travel budget, including double- and triple-billing on meals.
The new investigation is considered unique because HUD officials are working with City Controller Wendy Greuel, according to Gibson.
"The joint audit team will look at HACLA's management, financial operations and compliance with federal regulations," said Gibson, adding the new inquiry was sparked by Greuel's audit.
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Los Angeles Daily News City Hall reporter Rick Orlov writes about politics on the local, state and national stage.
Ken Simmons, the COO who signed all of the checks, should be fired immediately. He was a real bastard both at the Housing Department & at ITA (City computer department). He is a terrible manager & an even worse human being. Mr. Simmons must have friends in high places because when the mayor appointed Rita Robinson as acting General Manager (GM) of the Housing Department, he told her that she could do anything except fire him.
Sometime after Mercedes Marquez, who is now an executive at HUD, was hired as the GM, Mr. Simmons was abruptly transferred to ITA. Within a year or so, he was abruptly transferred to HACLA. I was a City of Los Angeles employee in both the Housing Dept. & ITA. I directly reported to Mr. Simmons for two of my 23 years.