The Price of Symbolism: Glendale’s Mayoral Drama Has Real Costs

Councilmember Kassakhian’s letter portrays his mayoral votes as exercises in fairness and inclusivity. But symbolism without structure has consequences – financial, institutional and ethical.

When Councilmember Najarian was denied a fifth term as mayor, he sued the city. The resulting litigation dragged on for a year, likely costing taxpayers six figures – funds that could’ve strengthened services instead of fueling a ceremonial dispute. Kassakhian’s letter omits this entirely.

The justification rings hollow for Councilmember Asatryan’s selection that being chosen early in her term was to correct systemic imbalance. Paula Devine served with dignity as Glendale’s mayor recently. The assertion that Assatryan would be “bypassed” when the ordinance has an exception – The Best Interest clause – belies the claim of exclusion. 

More troubling is how the mayoralty, a title without executive power, has evolved into campaign leverage. Of five council members, three have already pursued higher office. Being mayor increasingly resembles résumé-building rather than stewardship.

Meanwhile Glendale grapples with a structural deficit, rapid spending growth and a poor rating from the state auditor. Yet council energy has been spent on maneuvering symbolic roles rather than confronting urgent governance failures.

If the mayoralty truly represents stewardship then it must begin with restraint: refraining from bending process to personal gain, avoiding litigation over title and resisting retroactive moral narratives.

This drama wasn’t inevitable – it was the product of discretionary choices. To restore integrity, Glendale should consider a non-repeatable six-year council term with mayoral service beginning after three years. Let candidates build merit through governance, not ceremonial optics.

Glendale deserves leadership that prioritizes service over status.

Herb Molano
Glendale