SPEAKER PAYS VISIT TO GLENDALE; BUSTAMANTE DENIES TRIP INTENDED TO SHORE UP WILDMAN'S IMAGE.

Byline: Eric Wahlgren Daily News Staff Writer

California Assembly Speaker Cruz Bustamante paid a visit to Assemblyman Scott Wildman's Glendale-area district Wednesday, meeting an Armenian group, touring schools and getting a sneak preview of Burbank's new public safety complex.

Wildman, D-Glendale, has been criticized in Sacramento for zealous pursuit of audits of state departments as chairman of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee.

But Bustamante, D-Fresno, who was chauffeured to the various events by Wildman in the assemblyman's zippy electric car, said his decision to drop by the district had nothing to do with improving Wildman's image.

``I don't think his image needs a boost or a lift,'' said Bustamante. ``He is doing a great job.''

Wildman defended his record, saying that he has passed important legislation, including a bill that increases funding to local public safety departments and another that makes it easier for teaching assistants to become teachers.

The audit committee job is by its very nature a controversial one, Wildman added.

``Anytime you try to cut out waste, you are going to step on toes,'' Wildman said.

After a breakfast with a Glendale Armenian group, the two lawmakers stopped at George Washington Elementary in Burbank where they toured several classrooms before bumping into Jay Leno, who was filming for ``The Tonight Show.''

``What are you guys doing here?'' Leno asked when they met in one of the school's hallways.

When Bustamante appeared before a fourth-grade class, it became apparent that he is not just Speaker with a capital ``S'' but also a motivational speaker.

As his aides doled out buttons to the students that read ``YOU CAN TOO,'' Bustamante urged the children to work hard and go after their dreams.

``It's not where you start in life, it's where you end up,'' said Bustamante, who grew up in a tiny rural town in California speaking only Spanish.

Wildman came under fire earlier this year after trying to use the normally nonpartisan Joint Legislative Audit Committee as a forum to question operation of the state's Department of Insurance. The department is overseen by Chuck Quackenbush, a Republican.

Wildman claimed he had no partisan agenda, but fellow lawmakers - in a rare public rebuke - forced him to shelve plans to question department employees. One committee member called for Wildman to be replaced as chairman, though no vote was taken on the request.

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Photo: Cruz Bustamante, D-Fresno, speaks with George Washington Elementary kids in Glendale on Wednesday.

Phil McCarten/Daily News