GARCETTI HAS BROAD GOALS FOR COUNCIL IN NEW YEAR.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

Fighting to regain recognition that has eroded over the years, the Los Angeles City Council is looking to reassert itself and re-establish its influence in 2006.

Eyeing broad new goals, Council President-elect Eric Garcetti said he hopes to address some of the criticisms of the council - colleagues as well as the public - to cement the panel's role as a serious policymaker.

``What we have to do is make ourselves more accountable,'' Garcetti said in a recent interview, noting that he has the support of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

``I don't think we will be having problems with this mayor and working with him,'' Garcetti said. ``The mayor came from the council and a legislative background and appreciates what we can do.''

Since taking office July 1, Villaraigosa has dominated the local political scene but also has worked to strengthen the relationship between his office and the council, on which he served for two years.

Shortly after being sworn in, Villaraigosa hosted a dinner for the council at Getty House - the mayor's official residence. He's also met with members - even those, such as Garcetti, who had endorsed former Mayor James Hahn - at various events.

Villaraigosa has downplayed any differences, and Garcetti said he has had several positive meetings with the mayor since he was selected to take over for Councilman Alex Padilla, who is stepping down as council president to concentrate on his run for the state Senate.

Garcetti also has been meeting with the 14 other members of the council and plans more meetings in the weeks ahead as he lays out his plans.

A key area he has identified is adopting specific goals that can be used to measure the council's success.

``Most political bodies hate this, but I think we should try to figure out how we can measure what we accomplish,'' Garcetti said. ``We should be able to say, 'We have this many more housing starts,' or 'We've reduced traffic congestion by a certain percent' - something measurable that we can point to.

``I think it will help us build trust and accountability.''

Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, who serves in the council's No. 2 job as president pro tem, said she believes the council leadership will give the group a chance to look at new ways of doing things.

``The council's role changed dramatically with the new City Charter, and I think we are adjusting to that,'' Greuel said. ``What I think (Garcetti) and I believe is that we need to hold the council more accountable to the public and to play a role as a partner with this mayor.

``The mayor has shown he will work with us and we have an opportunity to work together on a variety of issues here and with other levels of government.''

Greuel, who chairs the council's Transportation Committee, said one of her priorities is working with Villaraigosa to lobby the state Legislature to provide money promised for 405 Freeway improvements that were held up by the state Senate this past year.

``We should be working with the mayor to advocate for our fair share from Sacramento and Washington,'' Greuel said. ``I think we have a unique opportunity to develop an important partnership.''

Garcetti said the council also will work with Villaraigosa to advance issues dealing with housing, transportation, homelessness and public safety - particularly gangs.

``I think you will see us talking about some specific proposals and ramping up our efforts,'' Garcetti said.

There also are political considerations, such as whether the city should ask voters to approve higher taxes for police or housing improvements.

Garcetti said he also hopes to improve council meetings - paying more attention to the public, showing greater courtesy, returning to a three- minute limit for council members' speeches and limiting the number of presentations.

Councilman Dennis Zine, who has been critical of how council meetings operate, said he hopes Garcetti is able to at least make one simple change: Starting the meetings promptly at 10 a.m.

``I would like to see the meetings start on time, or at least closer to on time than they have been,'' Zine said. ``It's rude to the public and other members who do show up on time to have to wait for a quorum.''

Rick Orlov, [phone]

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com