COLLEGE DISTRICT SEEKS BOARD MEMBER.

Byline: Sharline Chiang Daily News Staff Writer

The Los Angeles Community College District is seeking applications to fill a seat on its board vacated after the death of longtime trustee Kenneth Washington.

Washington died while recovering from a heart attack in late April.

San Fernando Valley businessman and community activist Scott Svonkin is campaigning for the seat on the board, which currently has no Valley representatives.

Board members will take applications through June 10, then choose who to appoint to fill out the term.

Washington's term would have ended next spring. The seat is up for election in April 1999.

Clerks in the board's office say they've sent eight application forms to prospective trustees but none have been returned.

On Wednesday, board President Elizabeth Garfield said trustees have the option of filling the vacancy through appointment or holding a special public election. Though a final decision has not been made, a special election is unlikely due to what she said were high costs.

The board has 60 days from the time of vacancy to fill the seat by law or else the state will order a special election.

Svonkin, 32, of Canoga Park said the current board, while diverse in ethnicity and gender, lacks a trustee with experience in the San Fernando Valley.

``There are needs and differences the three San Fernando Valley community colleges share (apart) from the other colleges,'' Svonkin said. ``I will have a better understanding of Pierce, Valley and Mission because I have access to them (unlike) a trustee who lives by the airport.''

Garfield said board members have not specified what factors will be used to select their new peer.

However, she said, ``I think there's no question it enriches the board to have geographic representation and that includes the San Fernando Valley. That's my personal opinion.''

Interested applicants should submit their resumes and cover letters describing their interest in the position to the Board of Trustees Office, First Floor, 770 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017. The deadline is 4:30 p.m. June 10. For more information, call the office at [phone].