Eddie A. Perez
Mayor
---NEWS RELEASE---
(November 20, 2006)--- Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez announced today that he has appointed four new members of the Hartford Housing Authority to take over for three members who were removed by the Mayor pursuant to state statute last Friday evening and one member whose term had expired previously. The new members who have been directed by Mayor Perez to bring a new sense of stability and accountability to the Hartford Housing Authority will convene at a special meeting this Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Housing Authority Central Office.
“I am pleased that such a diverse and talented group has decided to step up and volunteer to serve the people of Hartford and the residents of public housing. The new members of the authority bring strong management skills, housing expertise and deep ties to the community. These are a qualified group of Hartford residents who will bring a seriousness of purpose to their job and make the authority more accountable for the quality of services it provides its residents,” Mayor Perez stated.
The new Commissioners who were sworn in today are:
Mark Ojakian, Deputy Comptroller of the State of Connecticut.
Raquel Rivera, Director of Property Management for Broad Park Development Corporation a non-profit affordable housing developer.
William M. (Lew) Brown, a respected retired journalist and former resident of public housing.
Luis M. Vera, a case manager with the Puerto Rican Forum and a former detective who served with the Hartford Police Department for over 20 years.
Among the first tasks of the new commissioners will be the commencement of a detailed operational and financial audit of the Hartford Housing Authority. The new Commissioners will also work with HUD to address significant issues that were raised by recent audits of the HHA that were left unresolved by the previous commission.