BURBANK — In the battle for a pivotal seat on the Burbank City Council, a two-time former mayor with a war chest of $38,087 is running hard against a City Hall outsider who has raised one-third as much.

In an election year in which a vocal critic of local government raised only $6,818 and was swept to victory in February's primary election, money alone may not be enough to ensure a win in the April 11 runoff between veteran Mary Lou Howard and aerospace worker Ted McConkey.

"I think it's going to be a popularity contest," said Neil Hancock, president of the Burbank City Employees Assn., a labor union that took the unusual step of endorsing both Howard and McConkey.

"They both seem to care about Burbank, and they both seem genuine. What it'll come down to is, 'Do you like Ted's style or do you like Mary Lou's style? Make your choice.' "

Howard, who has raised $38,087, and McConkey are vying for one of two seats being vacated by retiring Councilmen Robert Bowne and George Battey Jr. on May 1. Robert Kramer, a newspaper columnist and painting contractor, won the other seat outright in the primary.

In the tug of war for votes, Howard points to her extensive experience in local politics, while McConkey emphasizes his role as an independent observer of City Hall.

Howard, 57, was Burbank's first female council member and served three terms from 1979 to 1991, including a six-year stint as a Burbank Airport commissioner.

She has been endorsed by the city's top two elected officials, Mayor Bill Wiggins and Vice Mayor Dave Golonski. Her campaign chest includes recent contributions from the Warner Bros. Political Action Committee, three executives of the studio and labor unions such as the Burbank Police Officers Assn., Burbank Management Assn. and Burbank Fire Fighters Assn.

McConkey, 65, is president of the Burbank Rancho Homeowners group and a regular at council meetings. He was an early critic of the Burbank Redevelopment Agency's deals with mall developer Alexander Haagen.

He has been endorsed by Kramer, Councilwoman Susan Spanos, two homeowners groups and the Burbank Teachers Assn. His largest financial contribution since February is $2,500 from the Burbank City Employees Assn.

"We knew there was no way in the world we could match the money (Howard) has at hand," McConkey said.

Howard and McConkey agree on what many of the important issues are in Burbank, but disagree on the best ways to deal with them.