TIPOFF CHICK SAYS SHE HAS NO INTENTION OF CHANGING HER WAYS.

Byline: RICK ORLOV

This might come as a surprise to those who have watched her over the years, but City Controller Laura Chick says she never had plans for a full-time career in politics.

After eight years on the City Council and now seeking re-election to her second term as controller, Chick recently told the industry publication PR Week, ``I never had any intention of making a political career... I actually ran because I didn't like the way I saw things being done.

``It's kind of a sad commentary on the cynicism that has grown out there,'' said Chick, who over the years has gained a reputation as a blunt, in-your-face protagonist.

It is Chick and her audits of the Department of Airports and Water and Power that have been at the center of most of the political controversy at City Hall, sparking investigations into a possible ``pay-to-play'' system at work.

Detractors have said Chick is using the audits to raise her own profile, but Chick offers a different view of why she seeks and attracts attention.

``I have said in speeches that my detractors are accusing me of getting too much press, and I plead guilty,'' Chick told the weekly publication. ``I seek it because if I don't get public attention for what I'm trying to accomplish - which is to change the way this city operates and does its business - nothing is going to change.''

And Chick said she has no intention of changing her own behavior.

``If other people are doing things wrong or stupidly ... then, I'm sorry, but I'm not the cause of the problem. I'm going to put a spotlight on it.''

One of those caught up in Chick's web has become a gold mine for practical jokesters at City Hall.

Former Airport Commissioner Ted Stein's name popped up last week in a joking invitation to a farewell party for Lisa Gritzner, who is leaving as chief of staff to Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski.

The joke was not only in the use of Stein's name - he and Gritzner were never particularly close - but also in what it said to insiders.

One person commenting on the City Hall's new anonymous insider blog fourthfloor.squarespace.com noted: ``Boy have times changed. I remember the days when an invitation with Ted's name was a command performance.''

Former Secretary of State Bill Jones finally received some good news last week - he was able to pull off a fund-raiser with a bonafide Republican star.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, during a political and personal- appearance trip to Los Angeles, appeared at a series of fund raisers on behalf of Jones, who is trailing Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., in polling for the Nov. 2 election.

For weeks, Jones has been unable to catch a break - appearing at the Republican National Convention when few Californians were watching. Two weeks ago, several hundred donors were left waiting in Century City for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose plane was grounded in Sacramento when the Federal Aviation Administration's radio system went on the fritz.

Los Angeles City Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa - and mayoral candidate - wants to give voters a free ride.

As a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board, Villaraigosa proposed giving free bus and train rides to those heading to the polls on Nov. 2.

``I'm trying to encourage voting this election. I think it's critical,'' Villaraigosa said, while introducing the motion at last week's MTA meeting. ``I was hoping we'd boost turnout among the transit dependent.''

He also wants enhanced evening bus service for late voters, and free rides back home. The MTA board will take up the issue next month.

Staff writer Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report.

Rick Orlov, [phone]

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

Bill Jones, left, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani make a campaign stop in Santa Monica on Thursday.

Reed Saxon/Associated Press