Photo: FLLewis / Media City G –(l-r) Council members Jess Talamantes and Bob Frutos posed for pictures after both received at least 50 percent of the votes in Tuesday’s Burbank Primary Election February 28, 2017
It’s not over yet, but two incumbent Burbank City Council members appear to be on track for re-election. In yesterday’s Burbank Primary Election, Mayor /Council member, Jess Talamantes, and Council member, Bob Frutos, were the only two candidates to receive at least 50 percent of the ballots plus one vote, which is the requirement for victory. However mail-in ballots, with a postmark on or before Election Day, will be counted until Friday, March 3. So it is not a done deal.
Nevertheless, Talamantes and Frutos have the right to savor a little of the sweetness of victory today. Over the past several months, both council members were attacked by critics for their support of controversial developments like Talaria and the new Burbank Airport replacement terminal project. The councilmen appear to have beat back the opposition successfully on their way to another four-year term. During a photo-op at the Burbank home of Mary Lou Howard, both councilmen said they were “thrilled” with their showing in the primary. Both credited a willingness to work together, “in a spirit of cooperation,” on the council and with the community, as part of the reason they received the lion’s share of the votes.
Photo: FLLewis / Media City G — In a special room, ballot envelopes were sorted at Burbank City Hall Tuesday, February 28, 2017
The mail-in ballots were tallied at Burbank City Hall last night. The total number of ballots received, 9, 903, out of approximately 67,000 mailed out to registered voters in the Media City. Here are the numbers as of Tuesday, February 28, 2017, for the council candidates from the Burbank City website. There are three seats open.
Jess Talamantes 5, 042 51.48%
Bob Frutos 4, 911 50.14%
David Gordon 4, 393 44.85%
Sharon Springer 3, 490 35.63%
Juan Guillen 2, 870 29.30%
Gregory R. Sousa 2, 240 22.87%
Konstantine Anthony 1, 821 18.59%
Richard Carr 1, 304 13.31%
If these percentages hold, Talamantes and Frutos will win re-election to their council seats. The winner of the third seat would be decided in a run-off between Dr. David Gordon and Sharon Springer, in the general election April 11, 2017.
Meanwhile, a surprise front-runner in the race for two seats on the Burbank School Board. Former PTA President, Steven Frintner, is ahead of incumbents, Charlene “Char” Tabet, and Larry Applebaum.
Steven Frintner 5, 185 59.16%
Charlene Tabet 5, 009 57.15%
Larry Applebaum 4, 898 35.88%
In the final two races, City Clerk, Zizette Mullins, and City Treasurer, Debbie Kukta, ran unopposed. Here are the numbers.
Zizette Mullins 7, 205 100%
Debbie Kukta 7, 230 100%
