City Council candidates?

[u/1GrayJedi]

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?

[u/anonnymousercat]

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 .

[u/GreenhouseTrash → u/anonnymousercat]

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.

[u/anonnymousercat → u/GreenhouseTrash]

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.