BLOCK, BACA TRADE CHARGES IN RADIO DEBATE.

Byline: Douglas Haberman Daily News Staff Writer

Los Angeles County Sheriff Sherman Block and challenger Lee Baca confronted each other Wednesday for the first time since the June primary in a debate on the KCRW-FM (89.9) show ``Which Way L.A.?''

Seeking his fifth four-year term in Los Angeles County's highest-paid office, Block accused Baca, a former sheriff's division chief, of a record of procrastination and fear of confrontation.

Block said Baca dragged his feet in handling employee grievances and reduced disciplinary measures imposed on deputies under his command who were found to have acted inappropriately and on supervisors who failed to supervise properly.

``He hates to face the serious issues,'' said Block.

He again said that, during the primary campaign, Baca offered him a position as sheriff emeritus with some continued responsibilities for running the department if Block would step aside. ``He knows he could not do this job without me,'' Block said.

In response, Baca, who served in the Sheriff's Department for 32 years, said Block promoted him and gave him a distinguished service award.

``Isn't it interesting that after 32 years of service my record was unblemished, but after the primary I've become the target of personal attacks? People can see it's pure and simple mudslinging politics. I'm not going to participate,'' said Baca, who resigned from the department to campaign full time.

The show's host, Warren Olney, asked Block whether he should have known about it sooner if Baca is a procrastinator afraid of confrontation. ``Well, yes and no,'' said Block. He said Baca's resignation allowed new information about Baca to reach him.

Baca focused on his theme that the department needs a new man at the helm. He would work to increase neighborhood safety and to get rid of gangs and school drug problems, he said.

He proposed a countywide crime-analysis database for law enforcement agencies.

Block said in his 16 years as sheriff, he's overseen the department's services to unincorporated areas and 40 contract cities, coordinated mutual aid among law enforcement agencies throughout the county and acted as the county's director of emergency services. ``I've done all of that in an outstanding manner. I'm the most qualified person.''

The Sheriff's Department is the largest in the nation with roughly 13,000 employees. The sheriff's salary is about $234,000 a year. In the primary, Block received 36 percent and Baca 32 percent of the vote, forcing Block into his first runoff ever.