|
It’s Official: Kim to Head DONE |
|
|
NC Watch
By Sara Epstein
Mayor Villaraigosa has named BongHwan Kim the general manager of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment.
 Kim has served as interim GM since the death of Carol Baker Tharpe last
fall. The appointment will come to the City Council on Tuesday.
Kim was named assistant GM in tandem with Baker Tharpe’s appointment to general manager a little more than a year ago. The combo appointment was unique and came after a lengthy search and interview process that included the participation of neighborhood council representatives. Both received top scores among the applicants.
Kim has been actively involved in advancing social, political and economic development in diverse community organizations for more than 25 years.
Most recently, he served on the NC Review Commission.
Kim takes over the department reigns at what some would say is a challenging time. The City is experiencing a severe budget crisis. The DONE is in the midst of serious transition, the result of City Council approved recommendations from the NC Review Commission. And, even though the Clerk’s office is taking over neighborhood council elections, Kim’s department will still be responsible for many NC elections until the transition is complete.
Rebuilding a relationship with the BONC, NC self assessment, serious financial issues with the choices being made by NCs regarding the use of their funding, standardization of NC bylaws, Council File Numbers and form 700’s and serious staff unrest. All on Kim’s ‘Do’s’ list when he settles into the GM’s chair for real.
It would appear that Mr. Kim fasten his seatbelt. He … and the department … could be in for a bumpy ride. _
|
