The City of West Hollywood is still considering who will replace City Clerk Tom West, who retired in May, but is likely to announce a decision within days, according to LuNita Bock, the human resources manager for the city.

Corey Schaffer is currently serving as interim city clerk, and is a front-runner for the permanent position. (photo courtesy of the City of West Hollywood)

Corey Schaffer, who was the assistant city clerk for the past six years, has served as interim city clerk since May 13. Bock said he is a frontrunner for the permanent post, and added that the city did not initiate a recruitment search for the position.

Bock said the Human Resources Department and the city staff decide whether to recruit for the position or to promote from within, and that she had not been asked to initiate a recruitment process. The city manager is appointed by the West Hollywood City Council, but candidates for the city clerk position and other city jobs are hired or appointed from existing staff.

“We look at the choice of recruitment or appointing someone, and determine what is best,” Bock said. “We look at their strengths, and what makes them better. We are looking at Mr. Schaffer, who is the assistant city clerk.”

Bock said Schaffer was the acting city clerk for a short period during the summer of 2008 when same-sex couples were allowed to marry prior to the passage of Prop. 8. She added that “he did a wonderful job.”

The West Hollywood City Clerk is responsible for overseeing the municipal elections, as well as drafting codes and overseeing all commissions and boards. The city clerk also produces the agenda for the city council, and oversees the city’s domestic partnership programs.

“I’m hopeful they will appoint me,” Schaffer said. “I enjoy serving the city of West Hollywood.”