At the April 19th press conference introducing the City's new COO Ricardo Mendez-Saldivia, Mayor Thompson is asked about his actual title. Per the Court-approved Receiver's Recovery Plan, Mr. Mendez-Saldivia is the Chief Operating Officer (COO). However, Mayor Thompson insists the City Charter has not been changed to accommodate such a position. Thus, she says Mr. Mendez-Saldivia is the Business Administrator/Chief of Staff. Per the Receiver's Recovery Plan, "The elected officials of the City shall fully empower the COO to manage the day-to-day operations of the City and to make recommendations to the elected officials and the Receiver regarding priorities and policies." The COO cannot be fired or dismissed without the consent of the Receiver. --Tara Leo Auchey

Photo/Natalie Cake