O’Connell May Become Next Speaker Pro Tempore : Assembly: Liberals and conservatives say the Carpinteria Democrat would be Willie Brown’s choice if Mike Roos resigns.

Assemblyman Jack O’Connell, whose district straddles Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, is expected to become the next speaker pro tempore of the Assembly, a top leadership position that would establish him as a key adviser to powerful Speaker Willie Brown.

Colleagues said this week that O’Connell is in line to replace Mike Roos (D-Los Angeles) in the post.

Roos confirmed last week that he may soon resign to take a job directing a group formed to improve Los Angeles schools.

For O’Connell, a 39-year-old former Oxnard High School government teacher, the appointment would be the latest step in a quick political rise that began with his first election in 1982.

As the gavel-wielding speaker pro tem, O’Connell (D-Carpinteria) said he would control to a significant degree what issues are discussed in the Legislature’s lower house, and for how long.

The primary responsibility of the speaker pro tempore is to preside over sessions of the Assembly.

He would also certainly work closer with the speaker, O’Connell said, though he already attends leadership meetings of the Assembly, which has 47 Democratic members and 32 Republicans.

“It would be a prestigious post, and it would enhance my clout in Sacramento,” he said.

A spokesman for Brown (D-San Francisco) said O’Connell is clearly a top candidate for Roos’ position if it opens up.

“In every way, shape and form Jack would be in one of the top three leadership positions in the Assembly,” said Michael Reese, press secretary for Brown.

The other top Assembly job is majority floor leader, which is held by Thomas Hannigan, a veteran lawmaker from Davis.

A legislative source familiar with Brown’s thinking on the appointment said O’Connell would be appointed speaker pro tem barring any unforeseen problems.

“Jack’s committee load has been kept intentionally light and that clearly means bigger and better things for him,” the source said.

“Jack represents something that could only help the reputation of this body. He has a reputation as a clean, responsible legislator who projects exceedingly well on television and also represents a younger generation of Democratic lawmaker.”

The added authority would help him protect his 35th Assembly District offices from the sharp budget cuts mandated by Proposition 140 last fall, O’Connell said, and should translate into extra services for his constituents.

But Roos’ resignation is not a sure thing, nor is Brown’s selection of him to succeed Roos, O’Connell said.

“I’d be flattered, but it’s not a fait accompli . I haven’t talked to Willie Brown about it,” he said.

Liberal and conservative Democrats in the Assembly said they work well with O’Connell and think he would be Brown’s choice to be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the Assembly.

“Jack would have to be considered a favored candidate,” said Jim Costa (D-Fresno), chairman of the Assembly majority caucus. “I don’t think I’ve heard any other names mentioned.”

As assistant speaker pro tempore since 1988, O’Connell has chaired the Assembly sessions about 10% to 15% of the time, Costa said.

Assemblyman Richard Katz, a Sylmar Democrat considered close to Brown, said O’Connell “would be the logical choice. He is someone who people regard as nonpartisan in a lot of ways.”

A spokeswoman for Roos said she had no idea when her boss would make up his mind about resigning.

Costa said he expects a decision within a week.

Unlike Roos, a longtime friend and confidant of Brown, O’Connell said he did not expect to become a principal Democratic Party fund-raiser or to emerge as one of Brown’s chief political strategists.

Those duties fell to Roos because of his personal friendship with the speaker and the size of his Los Angeles political base, O’Connell said.

“I would not anticipate an expanded political role. This position is almost apolitical,” he said. But he said he would be a stronger force in helping Brown form policy. “I would hope to influence his decisions on many issues.”

However, O’Connell said Brown should expect him to support some initiatives proposed by Republican Gov. Pete Wilson early last month, including a shift of some money from aid for dependent children programs to preschool and prenatal care for the poor.

The assemblyman said he also supports Wilson’s proposal to approve the 1991-92 state budget by July 1, as required by law.

Approval was about a month late last year.

O’Connell said expanded duties in Sacramento would not diminish the amount of time that he spends in his district because his visits home are on weekends. He is known for the makeshift offices he sets up at shopping malls and on street corners several times a month.

“Roos does more statewide traveling,” he said. “I’m more district-oriented.”

Assemblyman Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks), who has challenged Roos for procedural lapses during Assembly sessions, said a promotion for O’Connell would most likely result in more adversarial exchanges between him and O’Connell.

While Democratic colleagues praised O’Connell’s approach to issues, McClintock said he does not view O’Connell as the nonpartisan moderate portrayed by supporters.

“By almost every score card he is one of the most left-wing votes in the Assembly,” said McClintock, whose 36th Assembly District borders O’Connell’s.