View rules spark lively public forum

GLENDALE — Six candidates eyeing two open seats on the Glendale City Council in April's municipal election discussed issues close to their hearts and fielded questions from the public Wednesday night at a candidates' forum at the Glendale Main Library.

Candidates Lenore Solis, John Drayman, Chahe Keuroghelian, Herbert Molano and Vrej Agajanian joined council incumbent Rafi Manoukian at the event held by Vangard, a community activist and government watchdog group. Mayor Dave Weaver, the second incumbent, and challenger Greg Krikorian did not attend the forum.

"We're hoping to get information disseminated to the community so they can be better informed. It's an awareness raiser," said Barry Allen, founder of Vanguard and host of the evening's events.

The forum opened with candidates taking a moment to introduce themselves and their values.

"I hope that the community will be informed by these candidates on their viewpoints and issues they really feel strongly about," said Richard Espiritu, who was the timekeeper for the evening's event.

Community activist Mike Lawler also attended the meeting. In addition to learning more about the candidates, he had other reasons for attending the forum.

"For me, I'm hoping to get some education on how to run a forum," he said, referring to a upcoming forum he will help conduct with groups in and around the Crescenta Valley.

One issue that got a rise from the audience was a question on the candidates' opinions on the recent surge in proposed mansions around the city and the possibility of the creation of a view-protection ordinance.

"I'm in favor of a view ordinance … I think it's an issue we should tackle in this community," Manoukian said.

He said it was important that the ordinance be studied and done properly.

Drayman also supported the idea.

"Our homes are our investments but they are also something more," he said.

He could see Glendale having a workable ordinance like Burbank or La Cañada, he said.

Keuroghelian emphasized that if a view protection ordinance was adopted, it would have to be enforced.

"We have to have a council that enforces those laws," he said.

All of the candidates expressed support for view-protection and for rules controlling mansionization.

Another question raised was what the candidates would like to change if elected.

Molano said there was a need to restore democracy to the council.

"Once you have that as a base, [the council is] now listening to you — everyone is listening to the residents and we can move forward," he said.

Agajanian spoke along similar lines, calling for a change in attitude at City Hall when it comes to hearing what people have to say.

"We have to work on inclusion — not ridicule the person who wants to express themselves at City Council," he said.

Each candidate continued to answer questions throughout the evening on topics that topics included infrastructure improvements, campaign contributions and mail-in ballots.

"I think candidate forums are essential," Solis said.

"The caliber of people here are exactly the type who will go back to their family and friends and let them know what we said. It's our chance to meet and greet the public."