Chick Enters Race for City Controller

City Councilwoman Laura Chick formally announced Thursday that she will run for city controller, saying that she has experience at making sure City Hall serves residents efficiently and effectively.

Chick, a resident of Tarzana, was elected to the City Council six years ago and is chairwoman of the council’s Government Efficiency Committee.

Under a new City Charter approved this year by voters, the city controller takes on a larger role in monitoring government operations, including the power to conduct performance audits of government services.

Running for controller in 2001, Chick said, “would give me an opportunity even more than I have as one of 15 council members to focus on government accountability and improve productivity.”

Chick defended the early start of her campaign.

Although she has been in the spotlight on police issues as chairwoman of the council’s Public Safety Committee until this year, Chick acknowledged that many residents do not know her.

“Because it’s a citywide race and we are a very big city, it’s going to take me some time to let the entire city know who I am,” she said in explaining her early filing.

Chick, who will be forced out of her council office by term limits in 2001, is the first announced candidate for controller. Deputy Mayor Noelia Rodriguez is also seriously considering a run for the office.