I think congratulations are in order for Mayor John Drayman.
He has achieved many things since he began his time in office. I believe the years he has spent guiding Montrose is now paying dividends for his constituency.
There have been the key players in the recent council; some call them the doers and achievers. I think when a councilperson is elected they bring with them a certain amount of baggage, some good and some not so good.
One of the things Drayman carried with him was the support of the majority of the homeowners associations, which allows him the ability to accomplish things that were impossible. There is a downside and an upside. The downside is very small, so we want to talk about the upside.
Drayman has had a hand in overhauling all the commissions, mainly the Design Review Boards.
Having served on the board I’m very happy to see the transfer of power from the commissioners to the city staff members, as it should be. He eliminated any animosity between the commissioners and the homeowners. I don’t think any other councilman could have achieved this.
I haven’t spent much time at council of late because Adams Square is in very good shape (thanks to the past councils). Of course we could always use a little more parking.
Without going into too much detail, I think this last maneuver is precious. I had almost quit watching the City Council on TV, mainly because it was so long and drawn out — like a movie that ran out of material and was trying to use up the film.
Unfortunately, a lot of issues were missed because they were at the very end of the agenda.
My wife, Carol, and I would flip a coin as to who watched a movie in the living room and who had the chore to watch Channel 6 in the kitchen.
Whoever lost and was assigned to the kitchen had to call to the other in the living room if something interesting happened.
Well, if Drayman doesn’t do anything else while in office, this was a monumental accomplishment. With his supporters’ approval, he placed the lengthy oral communications to the later side of the meeting.
All the gadflies and time-wasters took a hind seat and the constructive attendants spoke their peace in the early three minute’s time.
Drayman has done the impossible. He has separated the wheat from the chaff.
Tuesday night was a prize example of his success. The City Council’s adjournment was at 7 p.m.
Congratulations, once again. For whatever it’s worth, I will continue to support Drayman’s endeavors.
JOHN CIANFRINI is a Glendale resident.
