The San Diego City Council's Audit Committee unanimously voted Wednesday to delay consideration of city staffer DeeDee Alari to be the city's next independent auditor.
City Councilman and Audit Committee Chair Scott Sherman motioned to postpone discussion of Alari's appointment — which was announced by Mayor Kevin Faulconer on Saturday — to give members of the committee more time to review her qualifications.
Alari currently serves in the city treasurer's office as a deputy director and has not worked in the auditor's office for roughly a decade. She was one of three finalists for the position, according to the city.
Interim City Auditor Kyle Elser has led the auditor's office since last October, when former City Auditor Eduardo Luna left to take a similar position in Beverly Hills. Elser also held the interim auditor position from April to September 2007 prior to Luna's hiring. Elser told the Audit Committee last September that he would not seek the permanent auditor position, preferring to work behind the scenes in the auditor's office.
Should the committee and, eventually, the City Council confirm Alari's appointment, she would become the city's second independent city auditor since the office was established in 2009. Alari's term would last 10 years should she be confirmed, long after Faulconer leaves office. He will be termed out next year after serving two terms.
