Posted on 09/17/2004 9:45:46 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
LOS ANGELES (AP) - The executive director of the nation's busiest port resigned Friday amid a probe by prosecutors into the awarding of contracts at the port and other city departments.
Officials did not disclose the reason for the resignation of Larry Keller, who ran the Port of Los Angeles for seven years. A search to replace the director will begin immediately, the mayor's office said.
"Larry's tenure saw the Port of Los Angeles grow into America's largest maritime gateway and the prime economic generator in the Southland," Mayor Jim Hahn said. "I wish him well in all his future endeavors."
Earlier this year, Keller, his secretary and other officials were called to testify before a county grand jury as part of an investigation into the awarding of contracts.
The U.S. attorney's office also has issued subpoenas for Keller's phone records, calendars and other documents. City officials have also been asked to retain all electronic communications with the mayor's office.
Federal prosecutors and the Los Angeles County district attorney's office have been conducting parallel investigations into city practices. Federal prosecutors have been collecting contracting documents involving the airports and harbor departments and the Department of Water and Power.
Federal officials have declined to comment on the nature of their probe, but District Attorney Steve Cooley said he is looking into whether city contracts were tied to political contributions to Hahn's mayoral campaign.
Keller submitted his letter of resignation to the mayor and harbor commission President Nick Tonsich.
"I greatly appreciate the many opportunities that the port and city have provided me and wish you both to know it has been a privilege to work with the talented people of the Port of Los Angeles," he wrote.
He had run the port since 1997, when he was appointed by then Mayor Richard Riordan. Until his replacement is hired, Chief Operating Officer Bruce Seaton will take over the executive director's duties.
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