Valley Leaders Expect Backing of Hahn Will Pay Off

The many San Fernando Valley political leaders who helped engineer mayor-elect James Hahn’s victory are already looking forward to reaping the benefits.

Hahn won the Valley by 54.7%, compared with 53.5% citywide, according to a Times analysis of returns. In Northridge and Granada Hills, he won 67% of the vote, one of the largest margins in the city.

Hahn was helped by a Who’s Who of Valley civic leaders and power brokers, including car dealer and Police Commissioner Bert Boeckmann, former Planning Commission President Ted Stein, and Studio City attorney and Fire Commission President David Fleming. Richard Close, who heads the secession group Valley VOTE, and former Congresswoman Bobbi Fiedler also supported Hahn.

But foremost among them is Alex Padilla, the Pacoima councilman who risked the wrath of fellow Latino leaders by backing Hahn over Antonio Villaraigosa.

“A Mayor Hahn administration is going to be great news for the Valley,” Padilla said. “It’s no secret that the Valley played a key role in his election, and he won’t forget that.”

Padilla himself enjoys a special place in Hahn’s circle of friends. He was on stage clasping hands with Hahn in a victory salute when the results came in Tuesday night, and Hahn plans to give Padilla the oath of office for his next term at a ceremony July 1 in Mission Hills.

Padilla said he has been able to increase city services in his traditionally neglected district in part because of his past alliance with Mayor Richard Riordan, who endorsed him in his 1999 election.

“Now, with an even better relationship with Mayor Hahn, it’s going to mean bigger and better things for my district,” Padilla said.

Padilla has already pressed Hahn for more appointments from his district to city commissions. Only nine of the city’s 366 commissioners come from his district.

The mayor-elect is aware of the key role the Valley played in his election and the importance of addressing the concerns of residents in a portion of the city that is threatening to secede, according to those close to him.

“During my campaign, I said that as mayor, I would work to ensure that all parts of the city receive their fair share of city services, and I am going to work hard to fulfill that commitment,” Hahn said.

Hahn also vowed to make sure the Valley is not shortchanged when it comes to appointments.

“The Hahn administration will reflect the diversity of our city, and the Valley will be represented in city government,” Hahn pledged.

Another Hahn backer, Councilman Hal Bernson of Granada Hills, has made it clear that he wants to retain his powerful position on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board, something within Hahn’s power because he has three appointments to the panel, according to Greig Smith, Bernson’s chief of staff.

“Certainly, the fact that Hal endorsed him means it will help us carry on strong discussions with the mayor over issues important to us, from the MTA to Sunshine Canyon Landfill,” Smith said.

Fleming said he has let Hahn know he wants to keep his position on the fire commission.