Chick To Seek 2nd Term on City Council

Ending about a week of speculation, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Laura Chick announced Wednesday that she would not seek the congressional seat that will be vacant when Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson retires next year.

Chick, a Democrat who represents the west San Fernando Valley, said she was flattered and enticed at the suggestion by the national Democratic Party that she run for the post. But she said she has instead decided to seek a second term on the council.

“My desire in public office has been, and continues to be, to serve the people of the 3rd Council District and the people of Los Angeles,” Chick said in a statement. “I believe that the best way for me to continue on this path is through local office.”

Beilenson surprised political observers by announcing two weeks ago that he was tired of the “often mindless” partisan battles in Washington and would not seek another term next year.

Chick was among several Democrats in the Valley who were considered potential candidates for the seat. The front-runner for the post, however, appears to be Rich Sybert, a Republican who narrowly lost a hard-fought election race against Beilenson last year.