Supervisor Visits Office : Hahn Shows Signs of Disabilities in Brief Work Stint

Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, wearing a dark blue suit and flanked by three of his deputies, sat at his office desk Thursday in his worn Naugahyde chair for the first time in more than six months.

A new wheelchair stood a few feet away as a reminder of the stroke Hahn suffered last Jan. 11 and also as a reminder that despite months of therapy, the veteran supervisor has not fully recovered.

Although still somewhat self-conscious about the effects of the stroke, Hahn for the first time allowed himself to be photographed Thursday. His wife, Ramona, had vetoed earlier requests for photos because her husband had lost about 10 pounds after the stroke and appeared gaunt. Among the disabilities Hahn is trying to overcome are a paralyzed left hand, a slight slowing in his speech and an inability to walk for even short distances without assistance.

Jokes With Son

Joking on the phone with his son, Los Angeles City Atty. James K. Hahn, the 66-year-old supervisor told him: “You couldn’t give your mother a better anniversary gift (than coming to dinner). And I understand you’re going to do the dishes too.” Supervisor Hahn and his wife celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary Thursday.

Hahn, the 35-year veteran supervisor of the 2nd District, had returned to his Hall of Administration office one day earlier than planned. Although he will work only a couple of hours each day at first, Hahn said he will gradually increase the length of time on the job as his strength returns. He said he may soon begin attending weekly board meetings.

Last month, Hahn said he would return for the deliberations on the county’s $7.6-billion budget. But the board wrapped up its talks in record time on Wednesday, leaving Hahn with little to do on Thursday but chat with a few reporters and staff members, smile for a photographer or two and reminisce.

Notes to Colleagues

Hahn did, however, do a little work, penning thank you notes to his fellow board members--including the conservatives he has often bitterly fought--for not forgetting him during budget time. Several of his colleagues sponsored and helped pass budget motions for projects in Hahn’s district.

“They’ll be shocked when they get (the thank you notes),” Hahn quipped, then added more seriously, “One of the blessings (of the stroke) is that I found out the feelings that I’ve had with some board members over the past years . . . were only temporary and surface (feelings) and not from the heart, which I appreciate very much.”