Wilson Rebuffs Brown’s Argument That Honig Successor Be Democrat

SACRAMENTO —  Gov. Pete Wilson said Thursday that he “disagrees emphatically” with Assembly Speaker Willie Brown’s contention that the person the governor appoints to succeed convicted schools chief Bill Honig must be a Democrat.

Wilson, a Republican, said he is considering candidates from both major parties but added that he wants to “re-emphasize the nonpartisan” nature of the office.

The governor refused to reveal any of the names on his list of candidates but said he is looking for someone he thinks can win election to a full, four-year term in 1994, when the next statewide election is held.

On other issues, Wilson, speaking at a Capitol news conference, said:

* He is confident that the National Guard and local law enforcement will be prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any future urban unrest. Wilson, who was critical of the Guard’s performance when called upon during last year’s riots in Los Angeles, said recent changes in the organization have better prepared it to respond to violence.

“I can give you more than assurance that the Guard will be prepared and ready to respond if necessary,” Wilson said. “I can give you the assurance that . . . the entire apparatus, both local and state, is much more ready to respond.”

* The proposed breakup of the Los Angeles Unified School District “deserves very serious exploration.”

“It is the second largest in the country,” Wilson said. “Whether some of its difficulties arise from that size and some of the administrative problems related to it is a question that the Legislature obviously is concerned about and so are the people who are concerned about education in Los Angeles.”

* He reiterated his support for no-fault auto insurance, but said he had not taken a position on a proposal to place a surcharge on gasoline to finance basic coverage for all drivers.

“I don’t understand the necessity for that particular scheme,” Wilson said. “I think what we need in California is no-fault auto insurance,” he added, referring to the system under which accident victims are compensated by their own insurer regardless of who is at fault.

Regarding the schools superintendent job, Wilson said he intends to name a new education chief about the time Honig resigns. Honig was convicted of felony conflict-of-interest charges stemming from his involvement in state contracts benefiting his wife’s company. He was suspended from his job upon conviction and is scheduled to leave office when he is sentenced Feb. 26.

Brown said Tuesday that Wilson should appoint a Democrat to replace Honig, who is a Democrat. But Wilson rejected the Democratic Speaker’s contention, noting that the schools chief post is the only nonpartisan statewide office.

“I disagree emphatically with the Speaker,” Wilson said. “I was frankly surprised he made the statement. What should dictate the nomination is finding the best qualified person--Democrat, Republican or independent.”

The governor said Wilson Riles, a Democrat who held the office before Honig, said Thursday that the post serves schools best when it remains nonpartisan. Although Honig had the support of many Republicans when he defeated Riles in 1982, he later had bitter battles over school funding with GOP Govs. George Deukmejian and Wilson.

“The superintendent should be someone who is fully capable of working with both sides of the aisle,” Wilson said. “I am under a duty to the schoolchildren of this state to try to find the very best person I can for that office.”

Although Wilson said he is considering Democrats for the job, he is expected to appoint a Republican because the post could serve as a steppingstone to a higher, partisan office.