EDITORIAL LACK OF FORTITUDE CONSULTING DEAL FOR FIRED MANAGER JUST A PAYOFF.

GUERDON Stuckey was fired from his post as general manager of the Los Angeles Animal Services Department. He was fired because the mayor, his boss, didn't like the job he was doing.

Considering that, it makes one wonder what sort of consulting Stuckey might provide to the city worthy enough to warrant a check for $50,000.

But that's what he's going to get. The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday agreed to the deal to avoid a wrongful-termination lawsuit by the ousted animal chief.

Yes, the city probably would have been sued by Stuckey, as he was threatening. But this was a battle the City Council should have fought, even if it meant going to court. General managers are at-will employees, meaning they serve at the pleasure of the mayor. That's the deal and Stuckey's termination fit the bill.

What was heartening about the vote Tuesday is that it wasn't a slam-dunk. Three council members - or one-fifth of the body - voted not to give in to Stuckey's threats.

The nine who did agree to the farce of a consulting arrangement exhibited an unfortunate lack of fortitude. They, and the entire city, will likely pay for it with future fired managers figuring they are also entitled to a ``consulting'' gig.