Little returns

Little named chamber CEO
Kenneth Todd Ruiz, staff writer

PASADENA -- Seeking a stronger voice in civic affairs, the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday it has hired a former city councilman as its chief executive.

Tapped for his experience and knowledge of the city's business, veteran former Councilman Paul Little will take the administrative reins of the chamber as its CEO and president on Dec. 1 for an undisclosed salary.

"One thing you learn on the council is how important economic development is," said Little, who represented central Pasadena for 12 years before stepping down earlier this year. "The Chamber wants to raise its profile in civic affairs in Pasadena, but we're not going to go in and lobby for Project A or Project B."

Bill Podley, chamber board chairman, said Little would increase his organization's visibility and bring an ingrained awareness of the issues onto its radar, such as supporting public schools, keeping retailers anchored in Pasadena and building synergy between the various business-improvement districts.

Little inherits the chamber post from longtime CEO Lynne Hess, who is credited with restoring financial solvency to the organization.

But the chamber, whose mission is to be "an effective economic and political force for our
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membership," hasn't made many big splashes of late. It formally supported last year's failed NFL Initiative, something not all of its 1,500 members rallied behind. In recent weeks, it has been among those calling for increased city investment in the Pasadena Unified School District.

"Edwin Diaz came and spoke with us, and we definitely feel we want to step out and be as supportive as possible for this new administration," Podley said.

Another priority is enticing retailers to stay in Pasadena, which is feeling the pinch from developer Rick Caruso, who is building mega-malls in Arcadia and Glendale.

"We're very aware Caruso is attempting to woo away some of our key anchor tenants in Old Pasadena, and we really want to preclude that if at all possible," Podley said.

Little said his familiarity with the ins and outs of City Hall will help raise the chamber's profile and help the 120-year-old organization "have a meaningful role in the decision-making process" earlier on.

Known as an often-loquacious orator during his time on the council, Little said he's most proud of his role on the board of the Gold Line construction authority, which he also chaired.

Little has long been the swing vote, seeing himself as a mediator between Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. He was credited for building consensus between Los Angeles and other San Gabriel Valley cities during his time on the Gold Line board, a post he resigned from in protest when

Pasadena moved to relinquish its seat on the board.

In June, Little was appointed to the board of the Rose Bowl Operating Co. by his former District 3 counterpart, Councilman Chris Holden.

The RBOC will be looking for support for its stadium renovation plan, but Podley and Little said that, although they did not anticipate any conflicts of interest, Little could recuse himself if needed.

All other considerations aside, Little said it will be good to be back in Pasadena full time and no longer having to commute daily to Claremont, where he has worked at a public relations firm.

"I'll be getting back that hour of my life every day," he said.

todd.ruiz@sgvn.com
(626) 578-6300, Ext. 4444
www.insidesocal.com/pasadenapolitics