You probably know by now that I’m running for City council in Burbank. You may have concluded I’m crazy for doing so, if you hadn’t already, based on my writings. But it’s something I’ve long wanted to do since it merges two areas I really enjoy– service and politics.
This will be tremendously draining time-wise. Consequently, writing weekly articles is infeasible. This piece and the next six have been pre-written so I don’t leave a gap. Once the primary election is over, things will be much clearer– win, lose, or advance to the general election. It will be an interesting race, with 13 candidates vying for 3 seats in a city-wide, undistricted election. I’ll of course tell you about it.
I’ve long wanted to take this step, having dipped my toe in the political waters in two previous elections and deciding to wait. It will be a very intense two months of campaigning, fundraising, and getting out the vote all through January and February. In fact, the organizing/preparing and fundraising have been going on for over four months already.
I’m bringing, probably, the broadest perspective of any of the candidates to this position, from the professional, past service, and personal background perspectives. Now all I have to do is convince the voters of Burbank that this package is the best one for our city.
My joining the electoral fray should come as no surprise on another front. I have often advocated, from these pages, extensive political involvement. It would hardly do to be hypocritical and not engage in what I advocate. I’ve worked on a number of local campaigns, four times as the treasurer and recruited treasurers for two other campaigns. This task requires an awareness of the laws governing disclosure of political contributions and a sensitivity to the important and beneficial public policy function they serve.
Couple this with the six different capacities in which I’ve served or serve Burbank and my work in the Burbank Human Relations Council, Sierra Club, and ANC and you’ve got a pretty good argument for voting for me or getting others you know who are Burbank resident to do so. You can also just plain old support my campaign through time and/or money. Please visit www.garenforcouncil.org.
So until late February, I hope you enjoy the selection of topics, capped by Irritants IX, that I’ve cooked up for you.
