The commission includes members from Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena and serves to represent the respective cities in decisions made regarding the airport. Commissioners serve four-year terms.
Manoukian automatically lost his position when his term as a councilman ended earlier this month, but City Councilmen and members of the public said they wanted to see him return.
"He's been there for a while, and for the period of time he's been there, he's been a stable commissioner," Councilman Bob Yousefian said.
Yousefian — who also sits on the commission — said Manoukian's experience as a Certified Public Accountant would also be beneficial to the commission when dealing with finances.
Though Manoukian was reappointed, he was not the only one who wanted the job.
Both Councilman Dave Weaver and Councilman Frank Quintero expressed interest in serving on the committee.
"I've always felt elected officials should serve on the airport commission, and I don't like the four-year terms, I'm into two-year terms," Quintero said.
Quintero then recused himself from voting on the decision.
According to the California Fair Political Practices commission, an elected official who wants to serve on the airport commission should recuse themselves from the process, Senior Asst. City Atty. Michael Garcia said.
"If any councilperson is interested in serving, they may not participate in the decision or vote on the matter," he said.
Weaver was not present at the meeting.
City activist Dr. Richard Espiritu also hoped to see Manoukian reappointed.
"He has been on the City Council for the past eight years and served with integrity," Espiritu said of Manoukian. "He has also shown respect to everyone who came to the dais and spoke here."
Bonnie Adams, another frequent council speaker, said Manoukian's track record spoke for him
"I'm hoping he'll be able to serve on the commission. I think he's done a good job. I think he should at least finish out his term," she said "He is certainly not shy about speaking his mind and saying what he believes."
After briefly discussing the issue, council voted to reappoint Manoukian, who did not attend the meeting, in a 3-0 decision.
Mayor Ara Najarian also said he believed that his two interested colleagues should also have a chance to serve on the commission, and he would be willing to revisit the topic at a later time.
As for Manoukian, whose term on the commission will expire in May 2009, he is glad to be back.
"I want to thank my former colleagues and current councilman Drayman for appointing me," he said. "I'm encouraged they have the confidence to have me represent the city of Glendale on the commission."
QUESTION
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