Antonovich Plans to Seek a 5th Term

Citing the county’s unprecedented fiscal crisis and his wish to provide strong leadership, veteran Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich said last week he will seek a fifth term on the Board of Supervisors next year instead of running for Congress.

The disclosure, made Friday during an interview with The Times, ends speculation that the conservative Republican would run for the 27th Congressional District seat held by Carlos J. Moorhead (R-Glendale).

Earlier this month, Moorhead, first elected in 1972, announced his intention to retire.

Antonovich, a resident of Glendale who will turn 56 next month, said he felt obligated to help shepherd the county through its financial problems. He said he was confident that the current $1.2-billion budget shortfall could lead to a restructuring of local government, which could help the county avoid future financial problems.

“At this time, in the history of Los Angeles County, we have an opportunity to make goals and reforms,” he said. “This is where those decisions are taking place and I want to be a part of that.

“I thought about it, and I prayed about it.”

In the past, Antonovich has criticized Gov. Pete Wilson’s decision to run for President instead of taking a greater role in handling the state’s--and Los Angeles County’s--financial problems.

But Antonovich, a former state Assembly member who has made unsuccessful runs for lieutenant governor and the U.S. Senate, did not rule out a possible run for higher office later.

“One day, I would like to be U.S. senator,” he said. “It would be a goal.”

Antonovich’s sprawling district covers an area larger than Rhode Island and includes all or parts of the San Fernando, San Gabriel, Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys.