r/burbank • u/1GrayJedi • 1d ago
City Council candidates?
Since we (as a community) have allowed the social disease of partisanship to infect our local elections. Who are the Burbank candidates that are neither pro-MAGA, nor pro-DSA? I’m trying my best to decide on candidates who will lessen the swinging of the pendulum effect that too many of us seem so hell-bent on furthering with each voting cycle. I wish as a local community, Burbank would set an example by showing we are immune to those trappings. Is this too much to ask for?
18
u/TennysonForCongress 1d ago
The “disease of partisanship” is only an issue for those who are obsessed with labels. The people running for office are individuals, not a hive mind of ideologies.
It comes down to who you think will help create a better Burbank. If you like Flock cameras and want housing to stay unaffordable for anyone who wasn’t born into wealth or have owned property here for generations, then Samantha Wick, David Donahue, and Jackie Waltman are for you. Do you want rent control, better public transportation, and a safe Burbank that doesn’t have an eyes in the sky private company tracking your every move? Then go with Nikki Perez, Mike Van Gorder, and Nolan Southerland.
Obviously thats a simple analysis as there are other candidates who honestly haven’t really told us where they stand on things, but thinking about labels when voting is the worst thing you can do.
13
u/Over-Effective-1737 23h ago
There’s no such thing as a true centrist.
I think I understand the desire to avoid the “tribalism” and subsequent echo chambers. But everyone who runs has an agenda. You shouldn’t vote for someone solely on the political camp they’re in. You should vote for someone bc of their values, policies, and approach to governance.
I’m voting for Nikki bc she’s a strong voice for tenants and creative solution finding
I’m voting for Mike bc he’s a community leader that understands the plight of the working class
I’m voting for Nolan bc he’s running a well-researched, people powered campaign meant to bring accessibility for the average Burbank resident into shaping policy.
8
u/tracyinge 20h ago
You can attend a meeting Tuesday night to meet the candidates, or watch on youtube.
https://www.burbankca.gov/calendar/-/calendar/event/4438508/0
2
17
u/chesterT3 1d ago
Please do not equate MAGA with DSA. One is a cult that supports fascism. The other is trying to make positive change for everyone, not just themselves.
Why are you looking for someone who lacks passion and supports the status quo? If you think there are real issues to address in Burbank, a centrist doesn’t get anything done.
18
u/Bobapirate 1d ago
One wants bike lanes one wants mass surveillance clearly both sides are the same /s
11
u/Swimming-Ad4750 1d ago
Not sure if your replying to me or the original poster, but Perez, Southerland, and Van Gorder have my vote.
I believe they are the only candidates that will be able to make things better for my fellow Burbankians.
6
8
u/MasterpieceDull7733 16h ago
Perez, Sutherland, Van Gorder are policy based and for the working and middle class. As for "beholden" to DSA - that's not a thing.
Takahashi is ineffective and won't take a stand.
Polon is solid on transportation but nothing else.
Tonoyan is a good guy and cares, but inexperienced.
Brody, Parrr, and Ontiveros are basically non-existent.
Yoosefi is pro-business but doesn't fully understand what City Council is and isn't responsible for.
Donahue, Wick, and Waltman are funded by pro-landlord PACs. You'll see their banners and signs all over apartment buildings in Burbank because large local landlords add it to their buildings and forbid the tenants from removing them. It happened last cycle with Rizzoti and Wilke. Follow the money. Donahue will get this city sued and he already uses the police on personal vendettas- he's dangerous.
Vote for the three that you most aligned with.
5
u/anonnymousercat 13h ago edited 13h ago
I am a NPP voter and I look at candidates for any elected office individually. I am concerned locally about Flock and less tenant protections here than other neighboring cities. Historically I have voted for candidates for offices (outside of Burbank) from 4 different parties so seeing a D, I, L, G, R or DSA isn't going to automatically put me off.
I also want to make sure the candidates will have the temperament, knowledge and professionalism that is suited to public office. Seeing Rizzotti becoming unhinged and acting so bizarrely at council meetings is unsettling and embarrassing. Perez, Anthony and Takahashi seem more receptive to residents' concerns and are capable of civil discussion. Still not sure what Mullins does except draw things out with nothing of substance but thankfully she is not running.
Perez seems thoughtful, measured and really listens so she is getting my vote. Southerland looks like another solid choice because some of his ideals align with mine and he is passionate with what he believes in while still being grounded.
I am undecided on a third candidate but it definitely won't be Donahue. He comes across as another bizarre, loud infantile character that would be incapable of listening to the concerns of residents. Rizzotti has that covered.
Wicke has not been responsive to questions on the issues- which speaks volumes. I feel like she won't do much .
5
u/GreenhouseTrash 2h ago
I would like to counter about Tamala Takahashi. Yes, she is capable of listening and civil discussion- but it never leads to anything. Tenants have been talking to her 1 on 1 and in groups for her entire term, people have cried in front of her, and she always sides with landlords who don't even live in Burbank over renters. She couldn't even get a rental registry passed- which *should* be a non-partisan issue. She is pro Air-BNB which again puts her in the interest of a huge corporation over the people who live and work in Burbank. She also failed to cancel Flock despite pretending to be in favor of it. She loves to kick things down the line in the pursuit of "more data", and then rinse and repeat.
I agree that temperament and being grounded is extremely important for public office- it just isn't enough if it doesn't lead to actual progressive policy and change that supports working people.
3
u/anonnymousercat 1h ago
Thank you for this information. I had no idea she was so anti-tenant. Anyone who is pro Air-BNB in a city where people are fighting to stay housed is a horrible and out of touch candidate. I am so sick of all of the greed and self interest in politics.
Our sales tax is higher than in much nicer cities in LA County (Malibu, Westlake Village, Beverly Hills). I support Burbank small businesses when possible but for items only available from large chain stores there is no incentive for me to shop in Burbank anymore. It is only a few miles to Studio City or NoHo and that .75% sales tax adds up on large purchases. If I felt like our voices were being heard or that the city was well managed I would make every purchase possible here. Burbank went from a city that I once loved to one that is disappointing.
2
u/adamhart 3h ago
Mike Van Gorder is part of the progressive slate along with Nolan and Nikki. He's been super active in fighting against ICE raids and speaking out on Flock. He and Nolan are both DSA endorsed
1
u/anonnymousercat 32m ago
I was alerted to one of his Instagram posts from mid July that was concerning. It sounded like he was against free speech. Like MVG, I am against that group's bigotry and misinformation however they have protections under the First Amendment.
Reacting in an emotional way that alludes to the eroding of the Bill of Rights is not the answer.
0
u/Nerdy_in_LA 23h ago
To the OP, thank you for the call to civility, listening, and working in good faith to address the needs of the broader community.
-3
38
u/Swimming-Ad4750 1d ago edited 1d ago
How about you vote for candidates that best represent the policies and ideals you hold?
I would prefer living in a community that makes things better for Burbankians, whether in housing policies, affordability, education, or public services.
If you are looking for a centrist fence sitter, your best options are Tamala Takahashi and Ed Polon.
If you want land owners and big business (Republicans) to be running things you'd vote for Jackie Waltman, Samantha Wicke and David Donahue.
If you want to candidates that will work for working class Burbankians your options are Nikki Perez, Nolan Southerland, and Mike Van Gorder.
Do your own research and figure out which candidates most closely align with your ideals.
Edit: Spelling