Since then he has worked to assist local homeowners who were victims of poorly constructed condominiums, get funding to clean up abandoned properties in the city and many other projects, he said.
Most notably, Drayman played a large role in turning the Montrose Shopping Park — which had 18 empty storefronts when he joined the association in 2002 — into the hub it is today, he said.
"We had seen an economic downturn," he said. "Association membership was down to fewer than 140 businesses.
"In four years, by working with various agencies, we brought in new sidewalks, the original 1924 street lights, new road beds and landscaping."
And it is this city advocacy he plans to take with him if elected on April 3.
"No matter what issues are of concern to Glendale residents, their resolution or lack of resolution boils down to two words: City Council", he said.
If he's elected, Drayman said, he will continue to address pressing resident concerns and work to gear council decisions to actively pursue local problems rather than waiting for residents to have to come forward.
"I'm encouraged that he would want be one of our city councilmen," said Alyce Russell, a member of the Shopping Park Assn. board. "He grew up here and he cares about our community. He has been such an advocate for Glendale residents. I would look forward to having someone like John on the council."
From what Russell has seen, Drayman constantly keeps his ear to the streets of Glendale and follows through with concerns and requests that people have made of him, she said.
Some of Drayman's main concerns are development in the city and maintaining a vibrant downtown core while preserving neighborhoods and open space, he said.
