HAHN URGES FLEMING APPOINTMENT ON PANEL.

Byline: Rick Orlov Daily News Staff Writer

City Attorney James Hahn joined the bipartisan chorus Thursday, calling on Gov. Gray Davis to reappoint attorney David W. Fleming to the California Transportation Commission.

In a letter to Davis, Hahn described Fleming as ``a tireless and civic-minded leader'' in Los Angeles in his roles on the city Fire Commission, LEARN and the Los Angeles County Children's Planning Council.

``David is a well-respected lawyer and businessman in the San Fernando Valley,'' Hahn wrote. ``Transportation is one of the most critical issues facing the San Fernando Valley today and David Fleming has effectively represented the region for the past four years.''

Hahn also cited a recent Daily News editorial that characterized Fleming as ``this region's most effective voice'' on transportation issues.

A spokesman for Davis said he did not know whether the governor had reviewed the letter.

``All we can say is the governor is continuing to review the many applications he has received for appointments,'' said spokesman Michael Bustamante. ``He is working diligently to appoint the best people to the slots that are available.''

The letter by Hahn, a Democrat, represents another endorsement for Fleming, who was replaced by former Rep. Esteban Torres in March. There are still two vacancies on the commission for Davis to fill.

Also, it shows the increasing effort by Hahn to reach out to the San Fernando Valley for support on a variety of issues.

Hahn has taken out papers to begin raising money for the 2001 mayoral race and spent part of Thursday in the Valley at a variety of events.

Calling himself a centrist Republican, Fleming has been backed by a cross-section of officials and groups, from Democrats such as Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles and Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky to conservative Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, a Republican. Both the Board of Supervisors and the Burbank City Council have written letters on behalf of Fleming's return to the state panel.

Business groups such as the Valley Industry and Commerce Association also have urged Fleming's reinstatement.

Fleming said he was surprised by the amount of support he has received.

``It has just been overwhelming,'' Fleming said. ``I am very pleased and honored and humbled by this outpouring of support.''

He said he hopes the governor can overlook his political affiliation.

``I have supported candidates from both parties,'' Fleming said. ``Party labels can be very misleading at times.''