Kim Taylor, Council Auditor, talked about the impetus for the meeting. She said that she will be retiring
May 27th, and that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss her replacement. Ms. Taylor highly
recommended Phillip Peterson, Assistant Council Auditor, to be considered for the position. Ms. Taylor
said Mr. Peterson has served in the Auditor's Office for 21 years, and she listed numerous attributes that
make him well suited to be the next Auditor. She said Mr. Peterson is trustworthy and loyal, and has
great integrity and vast historical/institutional knowledge.
CP Carrico expressed gratitude to Ms. Taylor for her outstanding service, and he said that an external
search to fill the position was unnecessary because Mr. Peterson is the perfect candidate.
CM Johnson praised Ms. Taylor for her performance as Council Auditor, and he noted that there is not
sufficient time for an external search even if that was desired. He expressed support for Mr. Peterson's
appointment.
CM J. Carlucci also extended kudos to Ms. Taylor, and what he referred to as the "dream team" in the
Auditor's Office that includes Ms. Taylor, Mr. Peterson and Brian Parks. He commented on the
congenial vibe in the Auditor's Office, as a testament to Ms. Taylor's management style.CM J. Carlucci
highlighted Mr. Peterson's qualifications, particularly his objectivity, and he shared his support for Mr.
Peterson's appointment.
CVP Howland talked about Ms. Taylor's stellar performance as Council Auditor, noting the integral
support she and her team provide to the Finance Committee. He expressed whole hearted support for
Mr. Peterson, and he talked about the historical precedent of the Auditor mentoring his or her successor.
Motion/2nd (Howland/Johnson) to nominate Phillip Peterson to be appointed as Council Auditor.
CM Miller talked about the importance of the Auditor's Office, how essential their support is for the
legislative process, and how they always provide the right information. He mentioned how reliable and
dependable Ms. Taylor and her team are, and how they perform with a pleasant demeanor even under
stressful circumstances.
CP Carrico read a letter from CM Diamond into the record. The letter expressed CM Diamond's strong
support for Mr. Peterson's appointment and listed his qualifications for the role, including financial
acumen and responsible stewardship of public resources.
CM White shared his support for Mr. Peterson, calling him the "smartest man on the Westside".
CM Amaro extended appreciation to Ms. Taylor for her service, and he said he supports promotions
from within an organization, and he said Mr. Peterson is a true public servant.
CM Salem shared some historical comments about previous Council Auditors who have retired and
passed the proverbial torch to their successor. He said no search is needed, since Mr. Peterson is the
ideal candidate.
CM Peluso talked about Ms. Taylor's outstanding performance as Council Auditor, and he shared his
support for Mr. Peterson and his work ethic.
Ms. Staffopoulos, OGC, said that the motion as offered by CM Howland for Mr. Peterson's appointment
