RIORDAN ON THE MOVE; DWP APPOINTMENT PART OF BUSY 1ST DAY OF 2ND TERM.

Byline: Rick Orlov Daily News Staff Writer

In many instances, Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan has become the high-tech booster for the city. But on Tuesday, the mayor found technology was an obstacle.

After several minutes of a tap, tap, tapping on a battery-operated microphone, frantic scrambling by city workers and a feedback screech that caused people to cover their ears, all finally was in order for Riordan to make his remarks.

He announced the nomination of S. David Freeman as general manager for the city Department of Water and Power.

The rest of his day went much smoother, as Riordan toured the city to make announcements, shake hands and kick off his second and last four-year term.

``Doing these type of things is getting easier,'' said Riordan, whose dislike of the ceremonial aspects of the job is well known. ``People expect you to be out there, and I have a better understanding of what is needed.''

Generally Riordan keeps a much lower profile and less vigorous schedule than Tuesday's, which his office promoted as an example of the mayor on the move, to show residents he was out there doing the job.

He certainly was on the move.

And his peripatetic ways certainly didn't stop him from doing his job. He announced new initiatives to prepare the DWP for deregulation of the electric industry, lobbied Gov. Pete Wilson via cell phone on legislation, reiterated his support for the Figueroa Corridor project, formed a commission to try to improve health coverage for children, and helped celebrate new plans for the abandoned General Motors site.

At the California African-American History Museum in Exposition Park, Riordan was surrounded by children and their parents, exchanging high-fives and talking to them about their schools and computers.

Even more important, the mayor spotted a McDonald's where he was swarmed by those waiting in line. They allowed the multimillionaire businessman to cut to the front of the line, where he ordered a couple of hamburgers and a Diet Coke to go.

The day began with a 9 a.m. news conference announcing the appointment of Freeman, 71, who is considered a legend in the public utility field.

Freeman, who once managed the Tennessee Valley Authority under President Carter, has been Wilson's appointee on the California Independent System Operation and the California Power Exchange Trusts. He also was brought in to clean up problems at the Sacramento Municipal Utility Trust.

``We searched the country for the best person, and we have that,'' Riordan said. Freeman was praised for his support of public utilities and keeping rates low.

Riordan also used the day to announce a new task force of business leaders and health care providers, to develop ways to ensure that city children have health coverage.

The commission, headed by Deputy Mayor Gary Mendoza, is expected to come up in three months with ways to identify the estimated 300,000 children in the city who have no health coverage.

``Every child should have the God-given right to good nutrition, a good education and health coverage,'' Riordan said. ``Our future depends on it and our efforts to reform the schools and give our kids the tools to compete depend on it too.''

CAPTION(S):

Photo

PHOTO S. David Freeman

Known for keeping rates low