RICHMAN TO START DOMINO EFFECT?

Byline: Heather MacDonald Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - Assemblyman Keith Richman's announcement this week that he will run for mayor of a new San Fernando Valley city could change Santa Clarita's political landscape.

Richman, a physician who currently represents parts of the San Fernando Valley, Stevenson Ranch and Castaic, is a shoo-in for re-election to the Assembly's 38th District seat in November. The Republican lawmaker faces only token opposition.

``It wasn't easy to decide to run for mayor,'' Richman said. ``But I really believe that the people in the San Fernando Valley deserve better.''

If Richman wins both races, and voters in Los Angeles allow the San Fernando Valley to form its own city, he will resign from the state Legislature in July 2003, just before the city incorporates.

A special election would be held several months later to fill the seat.

``This is a very unusual situation,'' Richman said.

Councilman Cameron Smyth, who considered challenging Richman for his assembly seat this year, is expected to run in a special election.

Smyth's council term does not expire until 2004, and if he is elected, there would be an open seat on the City Council for at least several months.

``I'll give it serious consideration, but right now, I'm focused on my City Council duties,'' Smyth said.

Richman, who had been a rising Republican star in the Legislature, conducted a fact-finding mission in Santa Clarita during the last several months that earned him high praise from local officials.

``I don't want to lose him as an assemblyman,'' said Councilman Bob Kellar. ``He's done a phenomenal job in Sacramento, and he'll do a great job for a new city in the San Fernando Valley.'' As part of redistricting, which will take effect in November, the boundaries of the 38th District will be changed to include the entire Santa Clarita Valley, separating it from the Antelope Valley and areas further north.

Richman also worked closely with Santa Clarita officials during last year's energy crisis and has helped the city lobby lawmakers for transportation funding.

``He gave us a forum to tell our story to the people who control the purse strings,'' said Stacy Miller, the city's intergovernmental relations officer. ``He was very effective.''

Miller said Richman's election as mayor of a San Fernando Valley city would benefit residents of the Santa Clarita Valley because of the ``high level of trust'' between the Santa Clarita City Council and Richman.

``A lot of issues will effect both cities, and we're confident he'll work with us,'' Miller said.

Richman agreed, saying a better-run San Fernando Valley would benefit the entire Southern California area.

``With my experience in the Legislature, I'll be able to take a regional perspective and that will benefit both the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys,'' Richman said.

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If Keith Richman becomes mayor of a Valley city, that would leave his seat open, and maybe a seat on the Santa Clarita council.

Charlotte Schmid-Maybach/Staff Photographer