VALLEYWIDE : Antonovich Endorses Hall in Council Race

In a move that could help galvanize support for his campaign among Republicans and conservatives, Los Angeles City Council candidate Lyle Hall received an endorsement Wednesday from county Supervisor Mike Antonovich.

Hall, a retired city fire captain and registered Democrat, is battling Richard Alarcon to succeed Councilman Ernani Bernardi in the northeast San Fernando Valley. Alarcon, also a Democrat, is on leave from his job as Mayor Tom Bradley’s top Valley aide.

In a brief statement released by Hall’s campaign, Antonovich, a prominent Republican, said: “We are facing tough times as a city. There is an immediate need to increase the size of the Police Department and cut the red tape and waste at City Hall. Lyle Hall will be able to deliver this to his constituents.”

The crossover endorsement by Antonovich, a staunch conservative, may boost Hall’s appeal among GOP members and right-of-center voters, among whom the 13-year supervisor has long been popular. Antonovich’s supervisorial district includes all of the 7th Council District, which runs from Van Nuys to Sylmar.

Hall is a social liberal who has long been active in the labor movement. But his campaign manager, Bob Stiens, said Hall plans to send brochures to GOP voters touting the Antonovich endorsement, along with those from other local GOP notables including Councilman Hal Bernson and state Assemblywoman Paula L. Boland of Granada Hills.

Alarcon was not immediately available for comment Wednesday. He was endorsed earlier this week by Benjamin Reznik, president of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn.; Walter Mosher, president of Precision Dynamics Corp. of San Fernando, and several other local business leaders.