CHICK TAKES CONTROLLER'S SEAT.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

West San Fernando Valley Councilwoman Laura Chick won a solid victory Tuesday over two challengers to win election as city controller, breaking City Hall's glass ceiling as the first woman ever elected to a citywide post in Los Angeles.

Chick, 56, faced businesswoman Laurette Healey - who had the support of Mayor Richard Riordan - and Mervin Evans for the $146,356-a-year post.

It was a bid by Chick to remain in public life after serving the maximum two terms on the council, representing the 3rd District in the west San Fernando Valley.

The controller's job was up for grabs because the city's term-limits law prevented incumbent Rick Tuttle from running for re-election.

While the city controller does not receive much attention other than when audits are released, the job has served as a successful steppingstone and has expanded power under the new City Charter. City Attorney James Hahn, running in Tuesday's race for mayor, was city controller, as was Ira Reiner, who went on to become city attorney and district attorney.

Armed with expanded power under the new City Charter, Chick, a Tarzana resident, plans to see the office become more active in examining how city government operates.

Healey, 46, also a San Fernando Valley resident, was recruited by Riordan to run for the job. Healey said her extensive private business experience made her the most qualified contender for the post.

Evans, 48, of South Los Angeles and who described himself as an author and investment banker, said he wanted to use the Controller's Office to advance programs to help children and try to end the criticism of the Los Angeles Police Department.

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Photo:

City controller candidate Laura Chick, left, drops her ballot in the box with help from Sylvia Radilaff.

Tina Burch/Staff Photographer