Povilaitis eventually lost out in repeated polling, despite appeals from Najarian to insulate the airport authority from what he said was Weaver’s history of unprofessional behavior in council chambers.
He took issue with Weaver’s conduct, criticized him for repeatedly leaving meetings early, making up his mind prematurely or not ceding contentious decisions to his colleagues.
“Time and time again, Mr. Weaver has shown contempt for the speakers, for the audience, for the dais,” Najarian said. “We don’t need to have that sort of conduct aired out among our neighboring cities.”
Weaver did not return to the council meeting after the vote.
With Povilaitis off the board, Weaver and Quintero will join former Mayor Rafi Manoukian in serving new terms beginning June 1.
“I certainly respect their decision,” Povilaitis said. “I’ve been there 10 years, and I’ve got complete confidence in those that will follow me.”
The shake-up on the airport authority also comes after Burbank Mayor Gary Bric sent an e-mail to the City Council urging its members to maintain their current membership.
“In all, our partnering is better than ever with the existing airport commissioners. We look forward to continuing the momentum of our ongoing relationship,” he said in the e-mail.
“All other things being equal, Mr. Povilaitis has served for 10 years,” Drayman said, referencing Weaver’s truncated eight-month term in 2006.
The ousting of Povilaitis, a pilot, means that the airport authority loses a veteran member of its team who was able to bring “something different” to the table, Councilwoman Laura Friedman said.
She emphasized that Weaver was her first choice, because as an elected official he adds political weight to the authority.
