Allen read excerpts from the Pasadena Weekly newspaper in which our mayor was incorrectly quoted as saying that if you are against smoking, you should vote for “the three guys” who are up for re-election in April.
Drayman was very upset that night because Allen brought up the Pasadena Weekly article.
Further remarks were made by the mayor and councilmen, and they all wanted to know more information as to the people behind this erroneous article.
On June 26, the Pasadena Weekly published an article not flattering to the Armenian community of Glendale. The article was about smoking and using Hookahs, which, according to the article, is enjoyed by half the Armenian community.
On the morning of June 28, our city clerk, Ardy Kassakhian, said he read the article. He then informed City Manager Jim Starbird, Assistant City Manager Robert McFall and other government officials, according to his public statement Aug. 5 following oral communications.
One month after the city clerk informed government officials, Allen found out about the article and e-mailed four councilmen, not including Weaver.
On July 29, the smoking issue was brought before the council and public for discussion. Allen read parts of the Pasadena Weekly article to the City Council. Council members were upset, and the mayor wanted to find out who was behind this erroneous and insulting article about Glendale and the Armenian community.
Unfortunately, nobody on the council had the decency to thank Allen in public for the good work that he brings before the council and the community.
On Aug. 5, the City Council met, and Councilman Bob Yousefian and Weaver were not in attendance.
