Daughter of Mayor Wins Seat on Panel

For some Los Angeles City Council members, the natural reflex is to reach for the “no” button when voting on an issue with Mayor Richard Riordan’s name attached.

So even council members were amazed Tuesday when a Riordan issue met with unanimous approval.

Never mind that the Riordan involved was Kathleen Riordan, the mayor’s daughter, who was confirmed by the City Council for an appointment to the city Animal Regulation Commission.

“I want you to know you got more votes than your father ever got,” Council President John Ferraro said.

“I’ll remind him of that,” she responded.

The mayor appointed his daughter to the panel, citing her years of involvement with animal issues.

“She loves animals, and has an incredible passion for the care and treatment of animals,” Riordan said, noting she is vice president of a San Fernando Valley rescue group called New Leash on Life.

Councilman Mike Hernandez, who often votes against Mayor Riordan on issues, went to great lengths to point out to his colleagues Kathleen Riordan’s service as a volunteer with the Los Angeles Zoo and Wildlife Waystation on Little Tujunga Canyon Road near Lake View Terrace, and her major in zoology at UC Davis.

“I don’t want anybody to use your name against you,” Hernandez said to Riordan, who is temporarily living with her father in his Brentwood home.

Kathleen Riordan, 39, is assistant executive director of the Humanitas Awards, which recognize screenplays that portray humanizing achievements.

“She has a lifelong commitment to animal services,” agreed Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski.

Michael Bell, who heads the group Citizens for a Humane L.A., said he hopes Mayor Riordan will give more attention to the department now that his daughter is involved.

“To some degree, he may be more supportive with her on the commission,” Bell said. “At least he will be getting information he has not normally been getting.”

It may already be having an impact. Mayor Riordan released a budget last week that includes an additional $3.7 million for the Animal Regulation Department to increase staffing from 191 to 231 positions.