A candidate in the 43rd State Assembly race bows out
Days after a poor showing in that special election for the chance to finish the 43rd State Assembly term of Paul Krekorian, Nayiri Nahabedian has officially dropped out of the race for that seat. Nahabedian’s political consultant Paul Mitchell announced the end of her campaign in an article on The Burbank Leader website. However, when I got an e-mail from Nahabedian last Saturday, April 17, I had the feeling something was up. There’s a certain finality in this message from the Democratic contender.
Dear Friends,
When we began our work months ago, we were against the odds – against an opponent with a lot of money and institutional support. What we built in the weeks and months that followed was a broad base of support and strength. We built a grassroots coalition of individuals and groups whose paths would otherwise might not have crossed. They came together at our campaign headquarters because of shared values and a common cause – to make California a better place to live and to work – to make our state government work for the people again.
I want to thank each of you for your involvement in our campaign. Many of you gave your time and your energy – you were in our office calling voters, labeling addresses and walking precincts. Many of you gave your financial support. Some of you opened your homes to neighborhood coffees, and many of you attended our events and activities. All of you gave your good will and support. Thank you!
The numbers on Tuesday did not go our way. However, the issues we care about transcend any one election result. We will stay engaged and active on the issues that matter to California – getting the economy moving, attracting good jobs, and preparing all children to have a path to a college or a path to a career.
Your dedication for a better California inspires me. Together, we continue the work.
With Gratitude,
Nayiri Nahabedian
For the second time in a week, I’m disappointed. First, with the Tuesday April 13 election results in which Nahabedian finished third in the ballot count. And again today with the news that Nahabedian has called it quits. I voted for her. I still believe she has great potential as candidate. So I hope this is merely a setback and not the end of her political aspirations.
In the Leader article, Mitchell says “… we were willing to do the right thing and step out.” The political consultant cites the confusion of the upcoming elections dealing with this Assembly seat as the major reason for Nahabedian’s withdrawal. On June 8, there will be a run-off between Democrat Mike Gatto and Republican Sunder Ramani for the right to finish out Krekorian’s term, which expires in November. Also on June 8, there’s a primary election for a full two-year term for the same seat. It will probably still be somewhat confusing to voters because, among other things, Nahabedian’s name will appear on the primary ballot.
Burbank City council votes to expand the ban on secondhand smoke
It was well after midnight when the Burbank City Council voted 3-to-1 to amend the Secondhand Smoke Control Ordinance to include aeas of multi-family dwellings like private balconies, private patios, children’s play areas, and swimming pools when kids are present. Councilman Dave Golonski decided to skip the vote because he owns apartment units. Councilman David Gordon voted “no” claiming he has doubts about the enforcement of the ordinance, which has been law in Burbank since April of 2007.
The amended ordinance must come back to the city council for a final vote.
BUS ACCIDENT UPDATE
A controversial bus accident and my reporting of it came up at that Burbank City Council meeting last night. During the first public comments, Activist Mike Nolan called for an investigation by the City Manager Mike Flad on the bus accident and Community Development Director Greg Herrmann’s e-mails to me about the matter. Nolan began asking questions about the bus accident controversy at the April 6 Burbank City Council meeting. Last night, Flad agreed to look into the matter and report back on what he finds out.
Public hearing on water, refuse, and sewer rate increases!
Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — Burbank
It’s hard to believe, but Burbank City officials want to squeeze more money out of residents for the essentials like water, refuse, and sewer services. I got the notice of an upcoming public hearing about the proposed rate hikes in my snail mail box this week. The notice included the new fee schedule. I get the feeling this is already a done deal.
The public is offered the opportunity to speak out about the fee increases at the hearing, June 1, 2010, 6 p.m. before the Burbank City Council. Written protests must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by 5 p.m. on that day. If approved, these new rates will take effect in July — just in time for the summer heat when our yards need water the most. How fair is that?
“Sex and the City 2” a hot selling movie ticket weeks before debut
Fans of the “Sex and the City” movie/cable series are snatching up tickets for the latest flick more than a month before it opens. “Sex and the City 2” is scheduled to hit theaters on May 27. Advance tickets are hot sellers according to The Hollywood Reporter. Read about it here.
