"It has been an incredible six years," said Duffy, who saw four superintendents come and go and fought vigorously against cuts in the classroom.
"I don't envy him," Duffy said of Fletcher. "The economy is bad, and I don't see it getting better any time soon. He's going to hit the ground running, but it's very tough times."
Fletcher has been given a three-month transition and Duffy has tried to provide him with as much access as he can.
"We went on a debutante tour of the state," Duffy said, introducing him to key legislators.
Fletcher said he is looking forward to the job and a new relationship with the school board.
"It's like a marriage where both sides are looking to get along," Fletcher said.
He does have a head start with one new school board member, Bennett Kayser.
Both were involved with the City of Angels School and Fletcher openly admires Kayser, calling him "the most honest politician I know."
Fletcher said he will not discuss his agenda for the union until after he officially takes office.
As for Duffy, he said he is not certain what he will do next, but is considering a number of offers.
Janice Hahn flying high on red-eye
Councilwoman Janice Hahn, who is looking to succeed Rep. Jane Harman in Congress, got her first touch of the red-eye last week.Hahn flew back to Washington, D.C., on a fundraising and introduction trip to other members, and learned the difficulty of the travel.
"I suppose you get used to it," Hahn said. "It's one of those things that is part of the job and you just have to buck up and do it."
Hahn would not disclose how much she raised other than to say it was a very profitable trip.
The timing of it also allowed Hahn to miss the controversy over whether to continue the photo red light program.
Hahn, who could be the swing vote, said she is waiting to see what the City Council's Budget and Finance Committee recommends before declaring her position.
Jan Perry, Dennis Zine as Council kingmakers?
Councilwoman Jan Perry last week told a group of African-American women that she was seeking out someone who can replace her on the City Council in 2013, when she is termed out and as she looks to run for mayor.The City Hall conference was arranged by Perry, who said she wants to "interview" potential successors to consider whether or not to endorse them.
Perry won her seat, representing most of downtown Los Angeles, after years of working as a staffer for former Mayor Richard Riordan and Councilwoman Rita Walters.
Perry is not alone in wanting to interview potential successors.
Councilman Dennis Zine, who has said he plans to run for city controller once he is termed out, also is looking to talk to those who are seeking his endorsement. The hitch is they have to agree to turn over part of their salary to charities and to continue programs in the district.
Quote of the week
"I am not a tattoo kind of guy, but if I was, I would have a tattoo for my mom and my wife. And I would have one of the city seal somewhere on my body," Councilman Tom LaBonge, during a meeting of his Arts, Parks, Health and Aging Committee.Rick Orlov is a Daily News staff writer and columnist. His column, Tipoff, appears on Mondays. For a daily political fix, visit the Sausage Factory at insidesocal.com/politics. You can also contact him at rick.orlov@dailynews.com or 213-978-0390.
Source: http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_18358861?source=rss
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