Roger S. Hutchinson; Ad Executive, Former L.A. Commissioner

Roger S. Hutchinson, 73, former Los Angeles city commissioner under Mayor Sam Yorty. Hutchinson, a Hollywood advertising executive, campaigned for Yorty and various City Council candidates. Yorty named him in 1961 to the Board of Zoning Adjustment, which he headed. Hutchinson also served on the city Planning Commission and was nominated to the Los Angeles Public Library Commission, though the appointment was not confirmed. The Times accused him of unethical--but not criminal--conflict of interest in voting on matters that came before the zoning board involving business associates and friends. The newspaper also lodged similar accusations against others in the administration. Hutchinson and Yorty denied any impropriety, and Yorty accused The Times of making the allegations in an attempt to “smear” his administration. On Jan. 6 in Los Angeles of cancer.