COUNCIL OK'S MAYOR'S ASIA TRIP; APPROVAL COMES DESPITE CONCERN OVER COST.

Byline: Rick Orlov Daily News Staff Writer

The Los Angeles City Council voted 13-1 Tuesday to endorse Mayor Richard Riordan's 15-day trade mission to Asia despite concerns about its $470,000 cost.

``This is exactly what the mayor should be doing with his time,'' Councilwoman Ruth Galanter said.

City Controller Rick Tuttle asked the council Friday for its input because of the cost of sending a delegation, including 22 city employees, and because of the mission's unusual nature.

``This is not only to call on customers, but there is an effort to help targeted industries,'' he said. ``When I looked at who was traveling and the entree being provided, I thought it was worth a discussion.''

Tuttle's concern about who was traveling with Riordan - some 60 individuals involved in the entertainment, multimedia, garment and tourism industries, among others - was echoed by Councilwoman Rita Walters, who opposed the trip.

``What about the competitors to these firms?'' Walters asked, adding that she was also concerned about the cost of the trip.

Deputy Mayor Stephanie Bradfield said the Mayor's Office had asked several firms to come along. Those who took them up on the offer are going at their own expense.

Bradfield said the trip is expensive because of its length and its goals.

``This is a multifaceted trip and not the traditional trade mission,'' she said. ``The economic situation in Asia has changed dramatically, and we have done a number of things to make this move a business and friendship mission. It leverages the mayor's time and city money.''

Councilman Mike Hernandez, who ended up endorsing the trip, questioned how the mayor decided what industries to include.

``When we're dealing with economic development, it's important (the City Council) participates in that debate,'' Hernandez said. ``We were not given the opportunity to discuss this with the mayor. What the strategy is, I don't know. It is important for him to take this council into account when he makes these decisions.''

Riordan said he hopes the mission enables the city to open up new markets for the medium-size businesses that have been growing in Los Angeles.

``We have two purposes on this trip,'' he said. ``The first is to keep the business we have, and the second is to introduce some business people to the opportunities.''

Riordan traveled to Asia in 1995, but cut the trip short as the verdicts in the O.J. Simpson criminal trial were returned.

The present trip includes stops at nine cities - including Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Nagoya, Pusan, Beijing, Guangzhou and Taipei - in the four major Asian markets.