Mayor Villaraigosa Taps LA Fire Official To Balance Budget
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa appointed Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Administrator Georgia Mattera as deputy mayor for budget and financial policy on Wednesday.
Mattera will be responsible for developing and implementing a "fiscally sustainable" budget plan for the city.
"In the midst of the worst financial crisis this city has faced in generations, Los Angeles needs someone with skills, vision and experience to chart a responsible path toward a fiscally sustainable future," Villaraigosa said. "Georgia Mattera has the skills, vision and experience to get the job done."
Mattera will "implement smart solutions to balance the budget while protecting critical public services," Villaraigosa said.
Mattera said she accepted the job "because I believe we all reach a point in our lives where we feel the need to give back."
"I care deeply about this city and its residents," Mattera said. "I see this position as an opportunity to step up and help make a difference."
Mattera has been the fire administrator since 2004, overseeing the department's $500 million annual operating budget. She is the first civilian woman to hold the title of bureau commander in the Los Angeles Fire Department's 120-year history.
Before being appointed fire administrator, Mattera worked in the Office of the City Administrative Officer.
Mattera succeeds Ben Ceja, who now holds a position in the Office of the City Administrative Officer.
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