Zine Throws Support to Chick in Runoff

Los Angeles Police Sgt. Dennis Zine, who finished a strong third in the City Council primary race to represent the southwestern San Fernando Valley, said Wednesday that he will back Laura Chick in her bid to unseat Councilwoman Joy Picus.

Zine’s endorsement is expected to play an important role in the June 8 runoff race for the 3rd District Council seat. Zine, a 25-year veteran of the police force, received nearly 8,000 votes or about 20% of the votes cast.

Picus, a 16-year veteran of the City Council, received 36.8% of the vote, while Chick, a former aide to Picus, collected 29.4%.

Since the election, Chick has painted herself as an agent of change, while Picus has depicted Chick as a carpetbagger, out of sync with West Valley concerns.

But Zine said he backs Chick partly because of “what Laura Chick has to say about strengthening our Police Department by increasing personnel, providing more training and increasing morale.”

He said he plans to take an active role in Chick’s campaign, by speaking on her behalf at campaign functions and offering advice on law-enforcement issues. Zine said he has not discussed accepting a job with Chick if she is elected.

Picus said Wednesday that she was not surprised by Zine’s endorsement because third-place candidates typically back the challenger against the incumbent. However, she said she was surprised that “a cop would support someone with no record on crime enforcement.”