In compiling the Glendale City Council candidate profiles, I asked each candidate to respond in writing to a questionnaire. Here are extended excerpts of their answers, in the order they appear on the ballot.
Dave Weaver
John Drayman
Chahe Keuroghelian
Greg Krikorian
Rafi Manoukian
Herbert Molano
Lenore M. Solis
Vrej Agajanian
Dave Weaver, 67, mayor of Glendale, elected to City Council in 1997.
On qualifications: "I have more than 37 years of experience as a civil service employee with the US Army, Corps of Engineers as a project manager and budget manager. I'm a civil engineer and since over 80% of the city budget is rooted in engineering, I can quickly review and understand the pros and cons of more issues. I've spent 10 years on the city council and am the senior council member. I believe my years of experience are a definite benefit to the community. I am a good listener and have always made my decisions based on doing my homework and voting my conscience for what I have believed was in the best interest of Glendale."
Name the most challenging issue facing the city, and possible solutions: "It is hard to pin that down to one. I think most people, particularly the residents, would say it is the upsurge in "mansionization". The city thought that problem had been resolved with the adoption of floor area ratios to prevent overbuilding. It has not. There is an increased effort by some individuals to take small homes that were built decades ago and double or triple them in size, thereby creating the mansionization effect. I have spoken how that can be solved in public. The two components: view ordinance and revision of the way the floor area ratio are computed. The Planning Department of the City agrees with me that the proposed changes I have could solve an increasing problem."
On criticism: "Well, my wife is my biggest critic. She says I don't smile enough. I'm starting to carry a sheet with me with the word smile written on it. Perhaps I will get the idea. The other criticism I have received from past and present colleagues is when I use the word "engineer", which I am. Engineers tend to think logically and thinks things through, like in solving a problem. So I've been told to quit saying that. In fact, a critic who writes articles about me, pokes a lot of fun at me for saying it. However, I can't change the fact that I'm a registered civil engineer.
On city finances and the economy: "This is historically, a fiscally conservative city. Our reserve funds are the envy of just about every city around. And for everyone's information, every budget, by law, must be balanced when approved by the council. It would serve us well if the critics took the time to come to our budget study sessions and see how we develop a budget that exceeds $630 million dollars a year."
Envision the city four years into the future: "I expect the downtown area of Glendale to become a dynamic meeting place, with the streets loaded with people at least 18 hours a day. The American at Brand has started a renaissance, just as I thought it would. I also see us handling the mansionization issue and taking steps to prevent untold growth in our residential areas through downzoning multifamily, residential areas. Future housing growth will primarily be in the mixed use housing projects downtown where people will be able to live and work. It is a trend in the country and Glendale is taking steps to react to a evolving society.
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John Drayman, 48, photo preservationist, president of Montrose Shopping Park Association.
On qualifications: "There is a strong perception in Glendale that our elected officials do not represent the very people they are meant to serve. I will bring to the council my experience as a public advocate by moving public opinion in a direction which assists our council in addressing the needs of ordinary citizens more effectively. Representing the needs of our citizens will be my first priority. All issues of economic develop and the allocation of municipal resources will flow from his priority."
Name the most challenging issue facing the city, and possible solutions: "Glendale is a rapidly evolving city. We have witnessed more change in the last 20 years than at any time in our city’s history. With change comes the responsibility to preserve our traditions as a city and to foster a sense of community. At the top of my list is the character of our neighborhoods. There is a perception that Glendale is being tacitly rezoned neighborhood by neighborhood through an alarming process of residential encroachment, overbuilding and incompatible development. I will address this by continuing to advocate for a workable view/mansionization ordinance tailored to the needs of Glendale’s diverse terrain and geography. We require a city council which possesses the courage to bring parity back to the equation between the interests of residential developers and the rights of residential property owners."
On criticism: "The cliché is that “you can’t fight city hall” or that one person can’t make a difference because three council votes are required to move policy forward. For decades, I have successfully advocated on behalf of the residents of Glendale without fighting city hall. I have sought reasonable, workable solutions to problems. If elected, I will not be coming to city government alone. I will be bringing the power of public opinion with me to remind our council about the contract public servants make with Glendale residents. This is very powerful and motivating tool."
On city finances and the economy: "The City of Glendale is not in throws of immanent financial collapse. We are a dynamic, vibrant and energetic city with financial reserves of nearly one-half billion dollars. We have always met our financial commitments and will continue to do so. That said, numerous issues related to loss of business, rising vacancy rates and the lack of desirable housing inventory in our city’s downtown core are problems. Many issues will have to be addressed to solve these problems, but we can begin by addressing a culture within our city’s permitting and planning processes which have become insular and removed from the dollars and cents requirements of business and reasonable development.
"Glendale has acquired a reputation for being a burdensome place in which to conduct, open and expand a business. A refocusing of our interests with regard to business will be necessary. In addition, by providing desirable downtown housing for those with disposable income, we will expand the retail, entertainment and arts and cultural venues they demand. This will, in turn, drive revenue to our city and have the added benefit of forcing our city to deal with issues of crime, litter, graffiti, traffic, transit and intransigence in our downtown as stakeholders in our city’s core become constituents with a voice."
Envision the city four years into the future: "What I think the city will look like and what I hope the city will look like might be two different things. Certainly, the American at Brand will be the largest concept mall/retail project tackled by Glendale since the 1970s. Numerous mixed-use buildings will rise throughout our downtown area bringing foot-traffic and investment in our city’s core. The skyline of our city will undoubtedly change as well as increased investment brings the addition of forward-looking architecture.
"Supporting this will be our residential neighborhoods. We can expect long awaited historic districts to have taken hold in at least some areas, such as Northwest Glendale, Rossmoyne and the Verdugo Woodlands. Adams Hill and Adams Square will hopefully move in a direction together which develops a partnership between retailers and those who spend retail dollars with an accent on this historic section of our city which also focuses on the arts. Brand Boulevard of Cars will likely see a major renovation of infrastructure to help provide the tools these businesses require to continue to be one of the commercial engines which drives revenue to our city’s coffers. Mountain Oaks, in the La Crescenta Annex, will become our city’s most accessible new recreational open space. Montrose will become our city’s official “Old Town District.” And last, but certainly not least, Glendale will have at least one new council member, hopefully, me."
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Chahe Keuroghelian, 49, immigration consultant, former Glendale Police spokesman.
On qualifications: "While holding the title of Police PIO and Intercultural Relations Coordinator, I was actively involved with various organizations on local, countywide and state levels, and have been recognized by most of those organizations for my dedication, honesty, leadership skills and trustworthiness. I am a consensus builder, a good listener with an open mind, and a decision maker who cannot be bought or influenced. My multicultural/multilingual background give me deep appreciation for the cultural diversity that enriches the city of Glendale’s way of life, while my degree in Public Administration and Political Science and Public Administration give me the tools to tackle the challenges facing our city.
Name the most challenging issue facing the city, and possible solutions: "Several challenging issues face our city today. The most important in addressing them is by setting priorities, while openly engaging the entire community in the decision making process. I believe that there is no better feeling for a resident than to feel he/she is a significant part of the city and has his/her voice not only heard, but also sought after. With my election, I pledge to make sure that each person becomes a contributing part in our future plans by encouraging more public participation and open dialogue."
On criticism: "Whether personal criticism, concern about an issue, or expression of an opposing point of view, I have always paid full and unbiased attention, listened to and evaluated the validity and sincerity of the statement/position, and only then, expressed my reasons for my statement/position, or accepted my mistake. And pledge to continue to do so. That is the way I was raised, and that is the way I have raised my two sons."
On city finances and the economy: "We can start by holding each council member responsible, as a matter of principal, in order for them to hold the city manager and gradually, the department heads responsible for their departmental budgets. We can responsibly restructure and streamline the budget, by putting it under the microscope just like we would with our own family’s or business’ budget, especially when it is time to tighten the belt.
"By cutting out the “fat” that is embedded in the “unexpected expenses” or “losses” in the budget, whether those losses are due to law suits against police or any city department personnel; excessive expenditure on new city facilities; millions of dollars wasted due to contractual problems and delays while building the police headquarters; thousands of dollars wasted trying to fight minor claims against the city, but then coming to settlements, and on the long run, costing the city more money than otherwise would, had most of those claims been negotiated from the very beginning. I am a firm believer that we can prevent many law suits by changing personnel behavior while dealing with the public whom they should be serving."
Envision the city four years into the future: "I envision the accomplishment at least some of my plans, which include establishing a youth center, supporting small businesses, providing jobs to especially our young work force, allocating necessary funds for senior and youth programs, encouraging home ownership, exploring creative ways to address the issue of much-needed affordable housing. I also envision a positive interaction, teamwork, honesty and civility among the members of the Council, and between that body and the public it serves."
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Greg Krikorian, 44, businessman, Glendale Unified School District board member elected in 2001.
On qualifications: "I bring six years of experience on the Board of Education and nearly two decades of community service to our City Council. As School Board Member and recent past School Board President, I responsibly helped manage the district's 3,000 employees and its $300 Million budget. As a small business owner with far reaching experience in both the public and private sectors, plus nearly two decades of strong community service I have developed extensive experience in working with local, state and federal elected officials, and am known for my ability to work with both Republicans and Democrats to forge bipartisan teamwork."
Name the most challenging issue facing the city, and possible solutions: "Protecting our neighborhoods and open spaces are the most important issues facing Glendale today. For too long, the residents of Glendale have had to endure the over development of residential lots throughout the city. This over-building and "mansionization" has had an adverse impact on not only the properties that are next to these lots, but on our neighborhoods as a whole. I will fight to ensure city council takes a stand to protect the neighborhoods of Glendale by working to ensure that any further development or additions to residential properties are done in such a way as to not adversely impact the neighborhoods they occupy. Property rights not only extend to individual property owners, but to those whose property is next to another.
"We need to do a better job as to how we go about protecting our open space. This starts by simply following the existing hillside and other zoning ordinances. Sounds easy enough, but that’s not what’s been happening. Beyond that, we need to develop a systematic and comprehensive approach to identifying and preserving open space in Glendale, so we can develop plans NOW to protect them rather then waiting until after developers purchase land and we’re forced to buy them out at a premium."
On criticism: "Throughout the nearly twenty years I have called Glendale home, through my community involvement and my public service, I may not have always agreed with others on the best way to handle a certain situation, but I always listened to opposing points of view and always have treated others with respect. The policy decisions I have been a part of making, I have done so based on my convictions, my character and my integrity. I will continue to act in what I believe to be in the best interest of our city and our families and not what is in the best interest of special interests."
On city finances and the economy: "One way is to pay more attention to attracting, retaining and supporting business in Glendale. Glendale’s beauty, infrastructure and public services, were created and built in a political climate that was supportive of small and big business. I believe that allowing businesses to thrive is not a sin. In fact, it’s no secret that business-related tax revenues pave the way for a quality of life we all cherish. But, in recent years, Glendale has taken a hit. Our neighbors, Burbank and Pasadena , have not suffered similarly. The vacancy rate in our office buildings, for instance, is three times higher than Burbank’s and Pasadena’s. Glendale is doing something wrong and I believe we need to correct it. I have proposed a comprehensive plan to address this need to support business."
Envision the city four years into the future: "That entirely depends on the outcome of this election. If we continue down the path we are on, I see increased commercial vacancy rates, residential neighborhoods being overbuilt with multi-family housing and no real solutions to our traffic issue. That being said, the problems that have arisen over the last ten years won't be solved in four, but I expect to see us on a real path to solving these issues I expect to see a bustling downtown that moves.
"I expect to see neighborhood and hillside zoning ordinances followed and I expect to see businesses moving into vacant buildings on Brand and Central Boulevards. I expect to see people shopping in our stores and auto dealerships, dining in our restaurants and enjoying themselves in parks that can accommodate them. I expect to see a more unified City of Glendale. But this will only happen if we change the course we are currently on."
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Rafi Manoukian, accountant, incumbent city councilman. Elected in 1999, Manoukian did not respond several requests for comment by deadline.
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Herbert Molano, 57, businessman, activist.
On qualifications: "We can claim that the members of the current council are highly effective to the special interests of their campaign contributors. Last year they approved increases to mid-management city employees and approved overtime in excess of 10 million dollars. Two months later they increased the utility users tax to patch up the budget shortfall. Residents on fixed income and disabled residents came to council to plead for relief from the increases in that tax.
"Additional tax revenue generated by new property owners, only invites our city management employees to clamor for an additional share of that new found tax revenue. Never mind that we are 12 years behind in sidewalk repair. Never mind that we have over 100 miles of roads in dire need of repair, never mind that we had 158 power outages last year alone. But, we are not told that campaign contributions from the Glendale Management Association were a major source of funds to our sitting councilmen. Their reward? We now have over 400 employees grossing over $100,000 per year in a city with 2,000 full time employees. Just wait until we get the full impact of the pensions when they start kicking in three years from now.
"To fix our problems we must start with candor. We can never be truly effective if we don't acknowledge our problems. Let's start there."
Name the most challenging issue facing the city, and possible solutions: In a word -- Corruption. There, I said it. It's the “C” word that no one wants to admit. It's the elephant in the room that few want to acknowledge
in public. Three major special interests now control our city elections: The Glendale Employee Unions, a handful of major developers, and the Armenian National Committee - Glendale Chapter. But, we can start by putting in place
campaign contribution limits. Burbank has a $250 limit per person. That would be a good start. We are in desperate need of campaign reform now. Contributions by one incumbent is now expected to reach $200,000 for a job
that pays hardly $1,000 per month? Just how naïve do we still want to be?
On criticism: "I've been criticized for filing two lawsuits against the city. The first challenged the obfuscation (lies) on the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) of the Downtown Specific Plan. The second was a freedom of speech prompted by the mayor's action to prevent me from speaking. The city failed to address the extreme shortage of developed parkland, and they failed to established clear guidelines or performance objectives to reduce the traffic congestion. All I've asked is that the city be truthful in addressing the significant deterioration that reckless overbuilding is having in our downtown. They chose instead to defend their contrived EIR.
"I am not against smart growth where all the elements of great urban planning are addressed. But some builders want the city to rush ahead and build numerous 24 story buildings. It is not enough to just give the public some
vague promises to do something about traffic in the future.
"South of the 134 (Ventura) freeway we have over 100,000 residents but we have only about 1/3 of an acre of parkland for every 1000 residents. The national standard is six acres per thousand. Ten thousand new residents are planned for a 220 acre area without any adequate parkland. On the traffic issue, we must tell the public what is the minimum traffic speed we should tolerate at peak hours. But, that they refuse to do. So when some would criticize me about the lawsuit, I hope they remember me when they are pulling their hair as they wait stuck in traffic."
On city finances and the economy: "We need to inform the public first of the reckless spending we have. We must hold staff responsible to a higher level of performance measures. Our new police building came in 17 million over budget, yet no one was held responsible. A sexual abuse scandal at the police department cost the city
well over four million in judgments and legal fees. Again, no one was held accountable. Uncontrolled overtime at one city department had nearly all 240 employees averaging over $132,000 gross pay per year. Claims of disability
on the last year of employment prior to retirement is putting our pension and disability funds in jeopardy of breaking our budget.
"Until we stop the major contributions and endorsements from city unions, we won't stem the hemorrhaging of money. Today councilmen are unwilling to check the abuse in exchange for endorsements and campaign money. We can do better -- much better."
Envision the city four years into the future: "With the right city council on board, we will be well on our way to reduce traffic congestion or stopping the deterioration we currently experience. We would see a major reduction in reckless drivers. We will no longer be the most dangerous city in California to senior pedestrians. We will have a major urban park in down-town where we can have large open spaces, open air concerts, and civic buildings for the general public, seniors and families.
"Imagine a city where all areas of Glendale are truly represented. Imagine La Crescenta, Montrose and Southern Glendale having their interests represented without having to file petitions constantly. Four years from now, we should be well on our way to bringing a higher level of visual and performing arts to our downtown. We will have a city where the general public will be encouraged to participate, receive truthful reports on the state of the city, and know well in advance of any actions that may impact their neighborhoods. We will have a city of the residents, for the residents, and by the residents. What a refreshing idea."
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Lenore M. Solis, 48, business owner, former Glendale Water & Power commissioner.
On qualifications: "I believe the City of Glendale is in desperate need of focused, honest leadership. Through my years of experience as a small business owner, parent, community activist, addiction counselor and jail chaplain I have developed the knowledge, skills and abilities to work as a leader and member of a team. I believe in setting goals and objectives and working as a team to achieve our goals. the ability to negotiate and reach a consensus is essential to working on behalf our community. I have the skills and character our community needs to lead Glendale in the direction our community wants and needs. Respect is key."
Name the most challenging issue facing the city, and possible solutions: "Land-use and traffic. We need to stop allowing the use of variances to ignore and build homes that are not compatible with our neighborhoods. We have design review standards, we can start there and move forward to refine the floor-to-area ratio to insure compatibility with the present character of our neighborhoods. We must respect what our neighborhood residents want for their community."
On criticism: "That I have volunteered too much time in Los Angeles. I have served the communities of Glendale and Los Angeles in many different capacities. I believe it is ignorant to ignore the City of Los Angeles which borders half of our city. Glendale is the 3rd largest city in the county. Los Angeles is the largest. We must always work together with all of our neighbors and partner with them as frequently as possible. To ignore the benefits of a partnership, is very short-sighted and detrimental to our city."
On city finances and the economy: "Transparency and accountability. We had a 17 million dollar cost overrun on the police building and we have raised utility rates and utility taxes to support the general fund expenditures. We need accountability, the citizens of Glendale have a tight to know that their money is being spent efficiently."
Envision the city four years into the future: "Our residents will be secure in the knowledge that "mansionization" has ended. We will have compiled a detailed list of all of our "open space" and sent a clear message of what our policies are in relation to building on those spaces. We will stop granting variances. We will have a plan for infrastructure repairs. We will have a Web site where our community can check to see how the city is spending their money via salaries, contracts, etc. The Americana will be open and our downtown area will begin to become an entertainment and business destination. We will see harmony on our middle and high school campuses between youth of different ethnicities because the harmony at city hall will transcend the city as a whole."
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Vrej Agajanian, 55, television commentator, engineer.
On qualifications: "Most important is that I listen. Every night on my show I bring discuss and/or invite experts to discuss the top issues facing Glendale today, and then I open up the phone lines. By listening to the people of our City, I learn. Glendale’s residents are a dynamic, dedicated, creative bunch, but today we feel ignored and shut out by our current City government. By opening the doors of City Hall to the people of Glendale, I will bring their energy, ideas, and dedication to bear on the many issues confronting us today.
"Also, as a parent, husband and small business owner, I understand the challenges facing each and every Glendale resident today. I know what most concerns the seniors, parents, and youth of Glendale today, and I will focus on those issues. Finally, as a state-certified professional engineer, I know details, and I will be able to analyze and develop solutions, and not dependent only on City Staff to interpret every proposal for me."
Name the most challenging issue facing the city, and possible solutions: "Improving the quality of life for every resident of Glendale. The first step is to change the attitudes at City Hall to make the Council and top staff view every Glendale resident as a partner, not an annoyance. The people of Glendale have great ideas – City Hall should welcome and encourage them, not shun them. Together we can figure out how to build more parks, protect our hillsides and views, and provide affordable homes for our seniors and young families."
On criticism: "I am too analytical and detail-oriented."
On city finances and the economy: "Focus on what matters -- the quality of life for the people who live here. By putting our people first, not special interests, the City can spend its limited money on our vital needs: parks, affordable homes, schools and public safety. The savings will come from a combination of ending our silly subsidies for big-money special interests, and from the new jobs and shops that will be attracted to Glendale by our renewed focus on delivering a high quality of life for everyone who lives and works here."
Envision the city four years into the future: "Glendale voters face a choice in 2007: extend the incumbents’ service into a second decade and continue the special-interest dominated drive toward unlimited development, traffic gridlock and neglect; or chart a course for change by electing new Council members who will focus on the needs of the people, such as new parks, affordable homes, and more jobs, entertainment options, and helping small businesses.
"By welcoming the people of Glendale as partners in charting the future of Glendale, a new Council will begin a new era of citizen engagement, with carefully managed development that preserves our neighborhoods, hillsides and views and brings jobs, parks, parking and traffic reductions to Glendale. The result will be a better quality of life for every one of the dynamic, creative people who live here."
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