RIORDAN-CHICK FEUD: STILL ON.

Byline: Rick Orlov Daily News Staff Writer

When they were elected three years ago, most everyone believed Mayor Richard Riordan and Councilwoman Laura Chick would be natural allies, given their common goals of improving public safety and making the city friendly for business.

Instead, they have become ardent opponents because of Chick's questioning of Riordan's programs, particularly his public safety plan.

Among the few public signs of the rift was a recent mailing Riordan sent to Chick's West Valley district criticizing her vote to slow down the hiring of new Los Angeles police officers.

Privately, however, Riordan and his allies have started hurling some heavy threats directly at Chick.

Last week, lobbyist Steven Afriat approached Chick with a warning message from Riordan political adviser William Wardlaw that she should mend her ways or face the consequences.

In other words, lay off the mayor or risk losing access to potential campaign contributors with ``long memories'' - at least as long as five years, when Chick will be term-limited out and could be looking at a possible run for mayor.

``She was told nothing is free in life. There's long memories in this town and it will take five years to forget you got in the way,'' one source said.

``She's gone out of her way to take potshots at the mayor, and she should know there's repercussions.''

Neither Wardlaw nor Afriat would discuss the not-so-veiled political threat.

``I don't comment on private conversations,'' Afriat said.

Chick said the tactics wouldn't work with her.

``It seems like they want to intimidate and batter anyone who raises questions about their policies and programs. I will not give up my right to ask questions about how this city is operating,'' she said.

Chick also noted: ``I don't take messages from third parties,'' in so many words telling the mayor he knows where to find her.

Earlier this year, Riordan delivered his own salvo to Chick when the two met for breakfast and the mayor told her she was his ``No. 1 enemy'' on a City Council that has not been reluctant to go against many of Riordan's bolder proposals.