EDITORIAL : CHARTER PANEL CHOICES; HERE ARE THREE TALENTED CANDIDATES.

One week from today, runoff elections will be held in several areas of Los Angeles for seats on the Charter Reform Commission, which voters established in April to propose a new constitution for the city.

The makeup of the commission is significant because its 15 members will have the potential of producing a landmark document, one that promotes accountability in local government and improves neighborhoods.

After interviewing all the candidates and weighing their experience, vision and strengths, the Daily News Editorial Board endorses the following:

Torres in District 9

For the charter commission in the 9th City Council District, the Daily News Editorial Board endorses attorney Ricardo A. Torres II.

The district stretches from South Central Los Angeles to Bunker Hill, including Little Tokyo.

At 32, Torres has established himself as a committed community activist, bringing assistance to underserved residents through a nonprofit foundation he set up to provide legal services to low-income residents in South Central Los Angeles.

Partly as a result of his family's roots in the 9th District, Torres strongly believes in restructuring city government to offer a voice, a vote and decision-making authority to neighborhood councils. As someone with no connection to City Hall and no ties to city unions or homeowners groups, he brings a perspective that is independent while also well-informed.

His opponent is Woody Fleming, a field deputy for City Councilwoman Rita Walters and former longtime political director of a union local. Fleming's desire to serve is praiseworthy, but he offers no clear course on how to restructure Los Angeles government for the future.

Tokofsky in District 14

In the charter commission runoff in the 14th City Council District, we endorse Los Angeles school board member David Tokofsky.

The district extends from Eagle Rock to Boyle Heights, including El Sereno.

Tokofsky formerly was a classroom teacher who gained recognition as an exceptional instructor. Since his election to the Board of Education, he has distinguished himself by his results-oriented thinking and his unwillingness to accept pat answers and business as usual.

Those traits will be valuable on the charter commission. Tokofsky also gets our nod because the charter sets up the governing structure of the Los Angeles Unified School District - which means that charter reform is a prime opportunity to overhaul the school system. Tokofsky can help develop a better charter and play a key role in winning broad support for it.

His opponent, Nick Pacheco, is a deputy district attorney. Pacheco seems open to reforms that would bring more accountability to government and give communities a bigger voice. But Tokofsky's solid record makes him the stronger choice.

Hahn in District 15

The Daily News endorses Janice Hahn for the charter commission in the 15th City Council District, which includes the Harbor area.

As the daughter of former longtime county Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, the San Pedro businesswoman has an innate appreciation for public service on a commission of this type. What's more, she has a keen understanding of the public's high expectations and the need for sweeping improvements in government. We believe she can help keep the charter commission on course during the political storms that will arise during its labors.

Hahn's opponent is Jerry L. Gaines, a distinguished teacher and community leader. Gaines is a thoughtful, deliberate individual who also would be an asset to the commission.

On balance, we believe Hahn could make a greater contribution in hammering out a new charter and drumming up public support for it.