LEGISLATORS DONATE FUNDS TO LAUSD LOBBYIST.

Byline: Sonia Giordani Staff Writer

The Los Angeles Unified School District's chief lobbyist has raised $50,000 for his state Assembly campaign from state legislators, unions and district consultants and lawyers while continuing to represent the LAUSD in Sacramento, the Daily News has learned.

Fabian Nunez raised the money in the last 10 days of September by tapping campaign war chests of seven state legislators and five unions for $3,000 each and smaller amounts from Superintendent Roy Romer and other LAUSD officials.

Two lawyers whose firm provided outside counsel to the district donated $3,000 each and others who have worked for the district also contributed, state campaign finance records show.

State laws do not prohibit Nunez's activities, but campaign reform advocates see a potential for abuse as he lobbies on behalf of the district while raising campaign funds.

``He's going to have access to people the rest of us won't have access to on account of his position,'' said Nancy Snow, a political analyst at the University of California, Los Angeles, who also advocates for campaign finance reform. ``It points to the system. It's clubby. And once you're inside the club, the system sort of pulls you in.''

Nunez said all campaigning and fund raising are conducted on his own time and with his own resources, including his own cell phone, and he maintains that he will remain a faithful advocate of Los Angeles public schools even while he campaigns for office.

``At the moment I start to feel - or that my boss feels - that this is a political conflict of interest or any other conflict, I will resign from the district or take a leave of absence,'' Nunez said. ``The last thing I want to be is a liability to the district.''

Nunez hasn't officially declared his candidacy for the 46th Assembly District seat in downtown Los Angeles, currently occupied by Gil Cedillo. So far, three other candidates have indicated they will run for the seat. Candidates have until Nov. 7 to declare their intent to run for office.

The school board hasn't taken an official stance on Nunez's campaign, notes board member Julie Korenstein, who represents the San Fernando Valley.

``There may be some questions to the superintendent about this to make sure there's no conflict of interest,'' she said.

Former LAUSD legal consultant Barry Groveman ran unsuccessfully in the most recent election for Los Angeles County district attorney. School officials said that once he made his announcement, he did no significant amount of work for the district.

Romer, former head of the Democratic National Committee, denied there is a conflict of interest.

``I said: Look, whatever you're doing - if you're running, you've got to do it on your own time,'' said Romer, who gave $500. ``The only question I have is, one, you have to do this on your own time. And, two, I want to make sure there's no conflict of interest.''

Nunez met with Romer and board members, as well as General Counsel Hal Kwalwasser, before he began to raise money.

``I want to make sure I do everything by the book,'' Nunez said. ``We went over what the rules are. And aside from the legal aspect, I intend to be sensitive to the political aspect as well to be sensitive to potential conflicts of interest or mutual interests.''

Board President Caprice Young said she sees no conflict of interest.

``Fabian has tremendously high integrity and I'm confident he'll take whatever precautions he needs to take to ensure there is no conflict, even if that means eventually taking some time off,'' said Young, who added that she will probably contribute to his campaign as well.

But others questioned allowing a lobbyist whose job is to influence policy-makers for the district's benefit to simultaneously seek endorsements and political funds.

Teachers union President Day Higuchi said the dual role would not be an easy one for anyone.

``It seems to be a challenging position to put someone in. There's a lot of pressure on an individual. It could be very distracting,'' Higuchi said.

Before joining the district in June 2000, Nunez was political director of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

Among his $3,000 contributors are the California State Association of Electrical Workers PAC, IBEW Local 18 Water and Power Defense League and the Local 11 PAC. Local 770 United Food and Commercial Workers donated $1,000.

Los Angeles attorneys Stephen English and Molly Munger with the firm of English Munger & Rice each contributed $3,000. Their firm has worked as outside counsel for the district.

Among the legislators who contributed $3,000 are Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys; Assemblyman Tony Cardenas, D-Mission Hills; and state Sen. Richard Alarcon, D-Van Nuys.