Incumbents are not necessarily a shoo-in for re-election in Glendale, as witness the defeat of Councilman Rafi Manoukian two years ago. Yousefian is thought to be vulnerable for challenge, which was one of the reasons he looked at the treasurer’s race.
Glendale city elections tend to attract large fields because of the way they are conducted. There is a single stage election with no runoff, and the top finishes. In this case, three in number are elected.
The names already mentioned for the race guarantee a lively debate. The latest to emerge is Varian Gharpetian, former city commissioner and founder of a property owners group, the Glendale Property Owners Association.
Also reported to be considering running is former Pasadena police chief Bruce Philpott, who has been running a lengthy and protracted campaign for budget reforms in the fire department.
Two women are reported to be running for council, hoping to break into the current all male lineup. There has not been a woman on the council since the retirement of former mayor Ginger Bremberg. Expected to run are city commissioner Laura Friedman and activist Lenore Solis.
Also declared as potential candidates are Michael Teahan, president of the Adams Hill Homeowners Association, and frequent candidate Chahe Keuroghlian.
Borucki, a well-respected incumbent as treasurer, is facing a strong potential opponent in Rafi Manoukian, who is anxious to return to city government. City Clerk Ardy Kassakhian is expected to be unopposed for re-election.
Merged with the city election are votes for school board and community college board. Up for election are school board seats currently held by Joylene Wagner, Chuck Sambar and Greg Krikorian. The community college incumbents are Victor King, Anita Gabrelian and Armine Hacopian.
Two new laws may affect the election. The council has adopted campaign finance restrictions, applied to the other two bodies as well, and has restricted the handling of absentee ballots by candidates and political groups.
