ALATORRE WON'T RUN FOR RE-ELECTION.

Byline: Rick Orlov Daily News Staff Writer

Insisting he could have won re-election despite the cloud of scandal over him, Councilman Richard Alatorre announced Friday that he will not seek an additional term on the Los Angeles City Council.

During an emotional tribute more than two hours long in which Alatorre was praised by friends going back some 30 years, the councilman fought back tears as he said he had no regrets about his decision.

``During my early years, I tried to raise two sons and it was difficult,'' Alatorre told the 200 people gathered in the City Council chambers. ``Now I have a 10-year-old who needs love and I'm going to give it to her.

``It's time to give her the attention she deserves, to give my wife the attention she deserves, and my sons and my granddaughter. I am at peace with myself. I am at peace with my decision.''

The 55-year-old Alatorre, who has spent half his life in political office, said he had commitments for more than $500,000 for the race and believes he would have won it. But his decision comes against a backdrop of controversy, with a series of investigations into the councilman's actions on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board as well as into whether he benefited financially from other dealings related to his council position.

Alatorre did not say what he would do after his council term is up July 1, but there have been rumors he might receive an appointment with the state government. He served in the state Assembly for 13 years.

The councilman recounted how his desire to get involved in politics first arose when he saw President Kennedy campaigning in East Los Angeles, and how that motivated him to a course of action that saw him elected, at age 28, to the California Assembly.

Alatorre learned the ways of politics quickly, and he was placed in charge of the reapportionment that laid the groundwork for the creation of a number of Latino districts still in effect today.

He accomplished a similar feat after coming to the City Council in 1985, drawing boundaries that resulted in the election of now-Supervisor Gloria Molina and Councilman Mike Hernandez as well as the San Fernando Valley seat of now-state Sen. Richard Alarcon.

In announcing he would not run, Alatorre talked of his image.

``Some have said that my style has not been appropriate, but it is that bare-knuckles style that has helped solve a police strike, a DWP strike and bring in a new, tough-on-crime police chief,'' Alatorre said.

``I say to those who question my style, I am a man of my word. People count on my word and my ability to fight till the end, no matter how unpopular a battle.''

After the City Hall tributes, Alatorre hosted a party for his supporters at the San Antonio Winery.

Tributes came from coalitions Alatorre helped build over the years, from Mayor Richard Riordan and Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Los Angeles, to state Democratic Party Chairman Art Torres; state Sen. Richard Polanco, D-Los Angeles; Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles; and Alarcon.