CHICK SILENT ON POST-COUNCIL PLANS.

Byline: Rick Orlov Daily News Staff Writer

For most of her six years in office, Councilwoman Laura Chick was the next one - the next member of Congress, the next city controller, the next holder of whatever office might be coming up for election.

A pro-choice, moderate Democrat popular in her San Fernando Valley-based district, Chick was sure to be a shoo-in.

Chick - a hard-working, effervescent cheerleader type - was everywhere, from ribbon-cuttings and fund-raisers to theater openings and Neighborhood Watch meetings.

In recent weeks, a lower-key Chick has emerged, concentrating on accomplishing the goals of her early years in office, looking more at the present than the future and skipping events she used to attend, such as the annual Fernando Awards dinner.

``I think that was the first Fernando Awards I've missed in more than a dozen years,'' Chick said about the recent event. ``I was out of town and couldn't be there.''

At 54, with a little more than two years left in her second term on the City Council, Chick denies cutting back on public appearances but admits she is less intense.

When the period opens next month for candidates to give notice if they intend to raise campaign funds for the 2001 citywide elections, Chick said she won't be among those who file.

``I have no intention of filing any papers next month,'' Chick said. ``To tell you the truth, I am much bemused in watching the play and the theater of it out there. I'm too busy to deal with that now.

``More than anything, I am focused on what I have been working on. I am very conscious I have a job left to do for the next two years, and I take that very seriously. I want to finish that job. In terms of the future, I am looking at a variety of possibilities that will take care of themselves when the time is right.''

Chick long has been mentioned as a potential contender for mayor when term limits force her off the council. She is the only prominent woman mentioned along with City Attorney James Hahn, Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, mayoral adviser Steve Soboroff and other men.

Democratic consultant Richard Lichtenstein said someone like Chick, who already has media access, can delay getting into the race.

``Those who are elected officials with some base have some time,'' Lichtenstein said.

``Laura Chick has an advantage in that she's a local official and can draw attention, while someone like Villaraigosa has to really work to get the attention of the L.A. media.''

Lichtenstein said the only concern about waiting to get involved in a race is that opponents might tie up early support.

Chick said she has not surrendered any of her ambitions, but is more concerned with immediate issues.

``I have found one of the most important things in politics is to stay your own person. You have to walk your own path and perform your job,'' Chick said.

``I also remember that two years before the 1993 election, everyone was asking, Dick who? And then Dick Riordan was elected mayor.''

Chick said she is deliberately focusing on her remaining goals on the council.

``I keep hearing tick, tick, tick on the term-limit clock,'' Chick said. ``It's hard to believe it's already been six years, and there is so little time left.''

If a third term were possible on the council, Chick said she would consider seeking one more term.

``Twelve years would be long enough,'' Chick said. ``To be done right, this job takes real dedication.''

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PHOTO Laura Chick

Councilwoman can't run for re-election because of term limits