Marcus Allen of CAO (Not NFL) "Just Says No" to Villaraigosa

YES, ANOTHER STORY THAT ZUMA DOGG FIRST BROUGHT TO LIGHT. Zuma Dogg was the first one to blog about the conflict of interest when Laura Chick wanted to hire Marcus Allen as a consultant, and she eventually passed back then (last year) over the backlash that ZD unleashed. And it followed him this time, too. I hear Marcus is a talented guy and has a lot to offer the City. It's unfortunate that it's not able to work out due to these conflicts and the fact that the City can't afford him.

Mayor's pick for LA's top finance job turns down offer
Former mayor chief deputy Marcus Allen will continue private sector work
By Kerry Cavanaugh, Staff Writer
05/14/2008

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's pick to oversee Los Angeles' finances turned down the job offer Wednesday and said he would continue working in the private sector.

A former chief deputy to the mayor, Marcus Allen was nominated for the city administrative officer position in March.

But his selection raised concern among some council members because of his lobbyist connections and request for a $290,000 salary, which was about $70,000 more than the current CAO Karen Sisson makes.

"Having considered this opportunity for several weeks now, I have decided to respectfully remove my name from consideration for this important position," Allen wrote in a letter to the mayor.

"I do so for personal and professional reasons and to pursue a continuing career in the private sector."

Since leaving the city last year, Allen opened his own consulting firm and became a consultant in a joint venture with two registered lobbyists - Arnie Berghoff and Harvey Englander.

As CAO, Allen would have been responsible for reviewing the city finances, expenses and contract costs. He would have had to recuse himself from decisions involving his own clients and the nearly 30 clients of Berghoff and Englander.

Allen's decision to quit the nomination process means Villaraigosa will have to find a new chief administrative officer.

"Marcus Allen is an incredible talent and would have been tremendous asset to the people of Los Angeles," the mayor said in a statement.

"Although I am disappointed, I respect his decision and understand that he is doing what is best for his family."

ZumaTimes.com