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City Controller Laura Chick just put an end to the chatter that she is considering a run for state Controller—by announcing that she isn't going for it after all. Just on Monday, Rick Orlov's Daily News column said that Chick's weighing of the race has given all of her audits and other activities more of a political cast than usual. In today's LA Weekly, Robert Greene also puts her offer to audit the LAUSD into the context of preparing for a state run. Chick emails: "As I pondered whether or not to run, my thoughts always came back to the job I have now...the job I love and the job I'm not yet finished doing." Full text after the jump.
During the last few months, I have seriously considered becoming a candidate for California State Controller in the 2006 elections.My interest in running was fueled in large part by the encouragement of others-- friends, supporters, constituents, elected leaders, and sometimes people I have never met before. Most importantly, I was intrigued by the possibility of serving the people of California in a similar position as the one I have now. It would be an unbelievable opportunity to accomplish in the State Capitol what I've accomplished in City Hall.
As I pondered whether or not to run, my thoughts always came back to the job I have now...the job I love and the job I'm not yet finished doing. For that reason, I am announcing that I will not be a candidate for State Controller.
I have three and a half years left on my final term as Los Angeles City Controller, and I still have a lot I want to do. First, I am focused on improving the delivery of essential services to each and every person in Los Angeles. Further, I am intent on finding efficiencies not only to save taxpayer dollars but also to find better and more effective ways to make Los Angeles the truly great city it could and should be.
Recently, the City Council funded my new investigatory "Fraud and Abuse Strike Force". This specialized unit will soon be attacking and rooting out waste and fraud throughout the City. It is important to me that I stay and oversee this critical arm of my Office during its infancy.
This past week I made an offer to the Los Angeles Unified School District to oversee an audit of its management and fiscal operations. No subject is more important to me than quality public education for our children. I want to engage our school board, elected leaders and communities in delivering an accountable and transparent school district. Nothing will deter me from making that happen.
It has been an honor to serve the people of Los Angeles, and I look forward to continue that service in the coming years.
LAURA N. CHICK
Los Angeles City Controller