Hahn Tries to Make Nice With Secession Backers

Stepping into once-hostile territory, Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn sought Tuesday to win over an influential San Fernando Valley business group that had pushed recently to split from the rest of the city.

Afterward, leaders and other members of the group, the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn., said they appreciated Hahn’s decision to speak to the organization but remained skeptical of his motives and commitment to the Valley.

“There is a real perception here that the Valley’s a second-class citizen in his mind,” said Gregory Lippe, a Woodland Hills accountant and director of the group. “He has to get over that perception.”

The group, which endorsed Valley secession, gave the mayor a tepid reception, breaking into applause only once during his State of the Valley speech. The atmosphere was quite different from the last major speech Hahn delivered in the Valley -- the day after secession was rejected -- for which the crowd was composed mostly of jubilant supporters of the mayor.

Largely quiet, the audience warmed Tuesday when Hahn turned to the topic of public safety -- and his new police chief, William J. Bratton.

“I think all of you recognize that crime has an economic impact,” Hahn said. “It impacts businesses.”

The mayor, who began his speech by saying that the Valley is stronger than ever, said New York City tackled its crime problem in a way that changed the perception of that city and boosted its economy. Bratton is a former New York City police commissioner. Hahn said he is requesting a report from the LAPD on its response times, which appear to be increasing in parts of the city.

Some believe that part of the blame for that may lie with the LAPD’s more flexible work schedule, which Hahn and the police union sought.

Though committing himself to public safety progress, Hahn also attempted to strike a conciliatory tone with those he fought and defeated during this year’s secession campaigns. The effort, he said, spurred needed change in City Hall.

“The old bureaucracy, I think, has given way to a new and reinvigorated Los Angeles,” the mayor said.

But there were some snickers around the room when he talked about new efforts to improve access to City Hall, including a new toll-free telephone number -- 311 -- for people to get information about city services and departments.

Secession, which failed citywide Nov. 5, “was a very good wake-up call for the mayor and the whole City Hall,” said Mike Quiroga, president of Mike’s Roofing Service in Van Nuys. “He really needs to prove” that he will make good on his promises.

Others agreed, saying Hahn must show the Valley that his promises and programs for the Valley will not stop now that the election is over. Hahn said that he has budgeted a record amount for tree trimming and sidewalk and road repair, and that he has built and renovated libraries, parks and police and fire stations.

“Mayor Hahn is a very smart, very politically astute individual,” said Larry Gray, a VICA board member and vice president of Spindler Engineering Corp. in Van Nuys. “He is very capable of leading this city into a much more business-friendly, much better direction.... He has to prove that he can do it.”

Several people said the mayor must push business tax reform as a major priority this year. They complained about a byzantine system with cumbersome regulations, including what they say is an unfair gross receipts tax.

“It will be hard for him to show up next year and say, ‘We’re still working on it,’ ” said Larry Kosmont, who owns a consulting firm and who helped develop proposed changes in the city’s tax code. “It’s time for all good governmental wishes to turn into good, actual, implemented policies.”

Several political consultants, who are VICA members, said Hahn was smart to appear before the group and, despite past differences, to ask for its assistance.

Now, they say, it’s up to the Valley business leadership to accept his offer of cooperation.

“I think the mayor’s made clear what he wants to do for the Valley and the rest of the city,” Harvey Englander said. “He’s extending his arm out. I’d be surprised if they didn’t take it.”

After his speech, the mayor said that overcoming post-election bitterness must come from all sides.

“Nobody was mean to me today,” he said, smiling. “Everyone was very cordial.”

Some, however, viewed the event less as a genuine expression of interest in the Valley than as Hahn’s attempt to jump-start his reelection campaign for 2005.

“It sounded like he’s running for his second term,” said David Hernandez, who ran for mayor of the Valley, only to lose that race and see cityhood fail. “He’s giving nice speeches, but the reality is people want to see what he’s doing.”