(June 25, 2009) -- LBReport.com's Deep Throat is reliably informed that former LB-area state Senator and Assemblwoman Betty Karnette is among those seeking appointment to LB's Board of Harbor Commissioners.
Deep Throat also believes that retired LB Fire Chief Harold Omel has applied for the position.
Karnette is a long-time Wrigley area resident; Omel is from ELB.
Other speculation has focused on Leo VanderLans, a lawyer/mediator and former Water Replenishment District Director and former LB Water Commissioner who is website-listed as vice-chair of the St. Mary Medical Center Foundation. He is believed to be a resident of the 3rd Council district.
The City Charter lets the Mayor appoint Harbor Commissioners subject to City Council confirmation...but Deep Throat believes some Councilmembers had difficulty swallowing Foster's last choice, Susan Wise (also a 3rd dist. resident).
Foster didn't disclose to most Councilmembers, or to the press or the public, that Ms. Wise is the spouse of the attorney who represented shipping industry interests in a lawsuit that invalidated rules requiring ships to use clean fuels off the CA coast. (The City of LB had participated in that litigation in support of the state agency's rules.)
The information was brought to light by Belmont Shore Residents Association President Mike Ruehle who cited the information at the Council hearing on Ms. Wise's Harbor Commission appointment.
Mr. Ruehle noted that 3rd dist. residents are heavily impacted by shoreline and ship pollutants. The Council went on to confirm Ms. Wise without dissent.
