"I'm hopeful," Workman told news reporters after a status hearing in 3rd District Court. "I've got good attorneys, and it'll all be fine."

On Friday, 60 potential jurors will assemble in Judge Judith Atherton's courtroom to fill out questionnaires. Workman's seven-day trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 1.

Workman allegedly took $17,000 in health department funds to place two employees at the South Valley Boys and Girls Club, where the mayor's daughter was chief financial officer. Workman has said that her intention was to assist the club and "help the kids."

Witnesses at an October 2004 preliminary hearing testified that hiring the employees was illegal and violated policy, but added that Workman's actions would have been legal had she followed proper procedures.

Club Executive Director Bob Dunn testified that neither he nor Workman's daughter, Aisza Wilde, personally benefited from the hires, but the club did benefit.

Workman, 64, is charged with one count each of second- and third-degree felony misuse of public funds. If convicted, she faces a potential prison term of up to 20 years.

It's a gamble she is willing to take. "Oh yes," Workman told reporters, "I'm willing to go to trial."

The former mayor took the opportunity to "thank everybody for their support . . . and prayers." She said she continues to meet well-wishers, including at the grocery store.

Defense attorney Jack Morgan said Monday that Workman "did not commit the crimes she is accused of." At trial, Morgan and co-counsel Greg Skordas will strive to educate the jury about "the context in which this all came about."

Added Morgan: "There's a difference between violating the rules and committing two felonies."