Our Choices in Today’s L.A. Election : Endorsements in mayoral, council, community college races and on ballot propositions

The Times policy is to endorse selectively, on a case-by-case basis. The races in which this newspaper is endorsing in today’s Los Angeles city election are listed below. MAYOR: Michael Woo Despite the negative campaign, Los Angeles has two strong candidates for mayor. Richard Riordan offers a positive economic agenda but Woo is the one with the skills needed to make things happen in an often-divided community.

CITY COUNCIL District 3: Laura Chick

Chick, a community relations consultant and a former aide to Councilwoman Joy Picus, has City Hall know-how and would provide a needed change with her more open attitude toward concerns of business.

District 7: Richard Alarcon A Valley native who has been active in community affairs, Alarcon has a long personal history of dealing with issues in the 7th District.

District 13: Jackie Goldberg Goldberg, a former school board member, has political abilities that will serve her well on the City Council--and a reformist vision that includes proposals to consolidate some departments and eliminate perks for top city officials.

District 15: Joan Milke Flores Incumbent Flores, first elected in 1981, is widely regarded as one of the City Council’s most knowledgeable members.

L.A. COMMUNITY COLLEGE Office No. 2: Elizabeth Garfield Her proposals for a bond measure for capital improvements and more partnerships with business offer a fresh outlook on the board.

Office No. 6: Althea Baker First elected in 1989, the incumbent merits a second term on the board, having managed the district’s fiscal matters and contributed to the district’s peaceful relations with labor.

L.A. BALLOT PROPOSITIONS Charter Amendment 1 (Business Tax Exemptions): Yes Would allow the city to promote and target economic development in hard-hit areas by granting some companies special business-tax reductions or exemptions.

Charter Amendment 2 (Pension Investment Changes): Yes Would make investment rules more flexible for the Fire and Police Pension System and the City Employees Retirement System. Would permit employee funds to place up to 50% of their stock investments in companies that promise a good return if experts agree the investments are wise.

Charter Amendment 3 (Civil Service Exemptions): Yes Would allow the City Council to set new rules regarding the appointment, discipline and removal of top city administrators. Incompetent or intransigent department managers should not be shielded from appropriate discipline or removal.