Tell us about your background. How does this qualify you to lead the city?

I moved to Burbank in 1996, having previously lived in San Luis Obispo. I served

in the US Army, both as a reservist and a full-time soldier. I own a home in

Burbank, where I live with my wife and son (who is a proud Burbank native, just

ask him). For the last 16 years, I have worked in the motion picture industry as a

driver and as an electrician. I hold two law degrees (with a concentration in tax

law); my undergrad major was political science.

 

While my education did not provide all the answers one might need to govern

effectively, it did teach me the issues that factor into questions of public policy.

The essence of democracy is the balancing of competing interests within the

framework of the due process of law. Within the community, there will always be

disagreement on public policy, but we can all agree the process should be fair and

transparent. I would respectfully suggest my background speaks to the pursuit of

fairness and transparency.

 

Why are you running for city council? What are the outcomes you intend to

work towards  if elected?

For some time now, our City Council has been decidedly pro-development. All too

often, the approval of large projects has been seen as a foregone conclusion,

leaving the Council to decide nothing more than whether to grant a density bonus

to the developer. We see too many projects being approved in 4-1 votes in which

the majority ignores the concerns raised by the one member of the council who

represents the interests of Burbank residents. I am running to add my voice to

those concerns.

​

What are the biggest challenges facing Burbank?

Besides traffic, parking, and overdevelopment, the biggest challenges facing

Burbank include a lack of accountability in city government and administration, a

looming budget deficit, and a growing problem with homelessness.

Residents love Burbank for its "Maywood" feel. How do we preserve it?

Perhaps you meant to say “Mayberry”, but Maywood in fact offers a cautionary

example of where our city may be headed, if we’re not careful. Not only is

Maywood the most densely populated city in California, but it’s also a municipal

basket case.

​

According to Wikipedia:

As of July 1, 2010, Maywood became the first municipality in California to outsource all

of its city services, dismantling its police department, laying off all city employees except

for the city manager, city attorney and elected officials, and contracting with outside

agencies for the provision of all municipal services.

A city does not necessarily exist in perpetuity, and even a short period of

mismanagement can ruin a well-established city . . . something to keep in

mind as the election proceeds.

​

Everyone in our neighborhood loves Magnolia Park, but we see many

small businesses struggle. What can the city do to help this situation?  

The city can (and should) help by fostering an environment that is

conducive to business. This means a highly visible police presence,

convenient parking, and clean, attractive walkways. Unfortunately, some

business will struggle in spite of our best efforts, but should make every

effort to provide those businesses with a shot at success.

 

Housing is becoming increasingly unaffordable in Burbank, but many

residents also don't want to see the population and housing becoming

denser. Is there any way to reconcile this problem? What is your

position on what needs to be done? How would an increase in

population affect our schools?

We’ve already seen an increase in population density in some parts of the

city, yet rents in those neighborhoods have gone up just as quickly as

anywhere else. In fact, an increase in available housing seems to only

attract more demand, so we are unlikely to build our way out of the

situation, without first ruining Burbank as a desirable place to live.

Moreover, some of our schools are near capacity already, and the situation

is only going to get worse as class size reduction limits are phased in.

 

With the new airport, planned hotels and high-density residences on

Hollywood Way, many residents are concerned about traffic

congestion. What is your position on  this?

I am generally opposed to high-density development that results in more

traffic congestion.

 

Speaking of the new airport, what is planned for the property adjacent

to the airport which was sold to Overton Moore Properties? And what

is becoming of the planned transportation hub now that the bullet train

is being built from the North to the South with the Burbank portion

not being completed until at least 2029?

Because of changes in the high-speed rail project, plans for this area are in

a state of flux. According to an Overton-Moore press release “OMP is open

to meeting with the California High Speed Rail Authority regarding the site

and will look to the City of Burbank for guidance.”

 

The voter participation rate for the last city council election was 16.6%

in 2015. It seems unhealthy for a democracy to have such a low rate of

participation. What can the city council do to increase citizens'

involvement in their local government?

Yes, the lack of engagement is unhealthy, but low voter turnout is a

symptom of our dysfunctional democracy, not the cause. In my opinion,

low voter turnout is caused by a lack of outreach and respect on the part of

the City, coupled with a complete lack of meaningful media coverage.

 

Almost everyone in local government says they encourage public

participation, but little is done to actually engage the public. Instead, we see

city agencies providing the minimum notice required by law, and when the

people show up at public meetings, their comments are all too often

ignored, or even criticized by our public officials.

 

Moreover, media coverage of City Hall is almost non-existent, and consists

of little more than some quotes of city officials, with no historical context

or analysis of the issues.

 

The Council could increase public engagement through more meaningful

outreach, and by ensuring respect for members of the public who come

forward with comments and concerns.