CONGRESSIONAL RACE RIVALS TALK TOUGH AT FORUM : BERMAN, GODINEZ EXCHANGE RHETORICAL VOLLEYS IN SYLMAR.

Byline: Melissa Schmitt Daily News Staff Writer

U.S. Rep. Howard Berman and San Fernando Mayor Raul Godinez II, the man challenging Berman for his congressional seat, met in a public forum for the first time Saturday morning. And Berman had a message for Godinez: Talk's cheap.

Getting results is what matters, said Berman, D-Mission Hills. And that is exactly what he claims to have done for San Fernando Valley residents in the four terms he has represented them in Washington, D.C.

``Words are cheap, and deeds count,'' Berman said. ``And I have the deeds.''

Godinez, the 36-year-old city engineer who launched a surprising challenge against the well-established Berman, says Berman has been successful in getting things done, but his priorities are mixed up.

Early this year, Berman warned San Fernando's 24,000 residents that the city's crime rate was on the rise.

And it was rising despite Berman's successful effort to put nine more police officers on San Fernando streets, Godinez said.

The warning incensed Godinez, who now says it goes to show how out-of-touch Berman is with Valley residents.

Godinez boasted to about 25 of his supporters gathered in Casa Torres Restaurant on Saturday morning that San Fernando law enforcement is top-notch.

The pressing issue isn't crime, it's economic development, Godinez said.

And Godinez drew applause when he argued blue-collar jobs are going where labor is cheaper. That trend needs to be reversed, he said.

``We should be bringing businesses in that will utilize the talent that is here,'' Godinez pleaded. ``If that isn't possible, then we should be getting federal grants for retraining programs to make sure these workers are a good match for new industries we bring in.''

But Godinez claimed his efforts to attract businesses have failed because of San Fernando's poor image.

``We don't even have a Kinko's,'' Godinez said, pointing out that the copy store chain has set up shop in other Valley areas like Northridge.

Godinez vowed he will pursue the creation of a separate school district for the San Fernando Valley.

As a congressman, he said he would keep crime down through prevention and keep emergency-relief funds coming in.

He'll make transportation issues a priority, he said Saturday morning, accusing Berman of failing miserably in that area.

While the rest of Southern California's representatives were able to obtain millions of dollars for transportation, Berman only got $1.5 million, Godinez said. ``You have to ask, Is this because our congressman doesn't know or just isn't paying attention?''

Godinez's attacks on Berman don't sit well with the 16-year incumbent.

But Berman said Godinez's words are just talk.

It's the old saying that action is louder than words, Berman said. ``I'm the one who brought the nine additional officers to San Fernando. I'm the one who got the (Federal Emergency Management Agency) money. Many of the things he talked about, I've been doing very effectively for 16 years.

``He talks about economic development, but how come the chamber of commerce in his own city is supporting me? The business council is supporting me. Two of his council members are supporting me.''

And, said Berman, he's got the support of Latinos too.

``I've got a broad base of support from Latino leadership and Republicans,'' Berman said. ``I've got the record.''

Observers say that in order to beat Berman, Godinez, who has likened himself and his challenge of Berman to David battling Goliath, will have a lot of work to do.

Democratic political consultant Joe Cerrell told the Daily News this spring Godinez would have done better in advancing his political goals had he waited until Berman stepped down to run.