From the Desk of the Publisher

My Point of View

It has been an education to learn about those who are vying for your vote on Tuesday. I have read with interest about the candidates’ forums held, the articles CV Weekly has printed about the election and the candidates, and the responses received by the candidates to the questions posed by CV Weekly (these begin on page 4). I, like you, have learned a lot.
Not surprising, I was most interested in finding out who responded to the questions posed by CVW. These to me represented the candidates most interested in foothill voters and the concerns they have. Of the 10 candidates, CVW received responses from seven. The responses were printed in the order they were received.
A common thread found in many of the candidates (some didn’t even attend a forum much less respond to our questions so I can’t say all candidates) is a passion for Glendale. From those I read about and have had the chance to speak to, I believe each brings ideas they think will better the city. Some of these ideas are far-fetched and not well thought out; others are deliberate and read like a well-planned road trip. I also take into consideration those who have attended Glendale City Council meetings and have made contributions to the community – though not all look to me like contributions that benefit the city. For example, one candidate is part of a group that has twice, successfully, sued the city. I would be leery about putting someone like that in a council seat.
Other comments I have heard is that some candidates think they are a shoe-in because of their last name. That, to me, seems pompous and disregards the intelligence of an entire segment of the voting population.
And while all the council members promise to represent all portions of Glendale, there is no denying that different areas of the city have different needs. Having someone on council who is well acquainted with the foothills specifically is important. Because of the close proximity to other jurisdictions – City of Los Angeles (west of Lowell Avenue), City of La Cañada (east of Ocean View Boulevard) and the unincorporated area of the Los Angeles – Glendale City Council on occasion has to work with government and law enforcement representatives from these other areas. It seems to me that knowing where these areas begin and end is essential in ensuring that quick, educated decisions can be made.
With this information in mind, I offer my recommendations for the April 4 election for three seats on the Glendale City Council:
Grant Michals. Grant has been steadfast in learning about and taking part in the foothills community in general and the City of Glendale specifically. He is thoughtful and deliberate when he speaks, appears to be slow to anger and is well educated on the city and its needs.
Rick Dinger. A lifelong resident of the foothills, Rick brings a knowledge of the needs of the Crescenta Valley. He also understands that just because people cross a street and are in another jurisdiction, they still feel a part of the Crescenta Valley. I think he will work well with other jurisdictions for the betterment of the entire foothill community.
Ara Najarian. Ara has been on the council long enough to know how to get things down in an expeditious manner. His ongoing involvement with Metro and his outspoken opposition to the extension of the 710 Freeway are factors I want to ensure remain in the forefront of the council’s attention.
I commend all of the candidates for running for office. It is something I don’t think I would have thick enough skin to do.
Finally, I want to add that it is essential that all eligible voters come out on Tuesday to cast their ballots. There is strength in numbers; having a strong showing at the polls illustrates that the foothills is a community to be considered when decisions, whether regarding services or funding, are being made.

Robin Goldsworthy is the publisher of the Crescenta Valley Weekly. She can be
reached at robin@cvweekly.com
or (818) 248-2740.