Glendale News Press
LATimes.com
Jan 7 2005

Candidates take their first steps

On the first day of filing for school and college boards, five pull
papers, with many more expected to follow suit.

By Darleene Barrientos, News-Press and Leader

GLENDALE – Five candidates drew papers for the Glendale Unified
School District board and Glendale Community College trustee board
elections, including one candidate who home schooled her four
children.

Linda Sheffield, 52, the home school parent, said she decided to run
because she wanted to get involved with the college. Sheffield’s four
children all attended Glendale Community College before they were 18.

“There are some things I really like about the school and some things
I don’t like,” Sheffield said.

Candidates were able to take out their election petition forms with
the City Clerk’s office Thursday. The filing period is open until
Jan. 27, and the election is April 5.

College board president Victor King, and board member Armine Hacopian
also pulled papers for their election runs. Board Vice President
Anita Quinonez Gabrielian said she dropped off her candidate
declaration statement on Wednesday and would pick up her petition
sheets today.

“I’m absolutely very interested and looking forward to being
reelected to the board of trustees for the college,” Gabrielian said.

Only two candidates for the Glendale Unified School District board
retrieved their candidate petition forms Thursday. Board member Chuck
Sambar was told he was one of the first to show up, even though he
said he was “expecting a mob.” Sambar said he had no plans yet for
fundraising.

Nyiri Nahabedian, a Cal State L.A. and UCLA professor, also filed her
paperwork Thursday.

Lina Harper, who serves as the school board’s clerk, decided against
a reelection bid.

“I’m very excited,” Nahabedian said. “I’m looking forward to the
campaign and I’m looking forward to bringing in my contribution to
[the district].”

Two candidates who announced their candidacy for the school board –
board President Greg Krikorian and former board member Louise Foote –
were unable to request paperwork Thursday. Both said they would do it
today.

“It’s Christmas,” Krikorian said, referring to the observance of
Armenian Christmas, or the Day of Epiphany. “I am going to church and
having a big family dinner. It’s hard for me today.”

Foote was elected to the board in 1997, but lost a reelection bid in
2001.

“I’m planning to run for the board because I have extensive
experience, which can be used to improve student achievement in a
safe, secure learning environment,” she said.

Prospective candidate Naira Khachatrian said Wednesday she had not
decided whether she would run. Other potential candidates, including
Armond Agakhani, former field representative for Assemblyman Dario
Frommer and chairman of the city’s parks, recreation and community
services commission, and Hoover alumnus Larry Miller did not return
calls for comment.