Burbank Leader, CA
Jan 24 2007

Making another try

Figuring that a fourth try will be the charm, this candidate says
he’ll make traffic and congestion his issues.
By Chris Wiebe

Burbank City Council candidate Vahe Hovanessian.

GLENDALE – City Council candidate Vahe Hovanessian was born in
Tehran, Iran, but Burbank quickly became his home when his
Armenian-Christian family relocated to the United States in 1979,
fleeing the Islamic-driven Iranian revolution.

He attended Burbank public schools – from Ralph Emerson Elementary
and Burbank High School – leaving Burbank for college and graduate
school.

When he returned to Burbank, he purchased a small home where he found
congestion and increased population density was rampant.

"I noticed that Burbank has significantly changed over my time here,"
he said. "I was looking at overdevelopment of certain areas and,
unfortunately, I was right in the middle of it."

Observing first-hand the changing city demographics led him to
explore the particulars of municipal zoning and what residential
upgrades would mean for how Burbank appeared in the future.

"All of a sudden every development we make is bigger and grander," he
said. "I’m not saying that’s bad – that’s a very good thing – but
overall we need to plan more carefully over the long run…. The people
before us did a good job; now we just have to do a better job."

Hovanessian initially became involved with the city as a certified
law student in the city attorney’s office. Representing, among
others, Burbank Police officers, he provided assistance in trials and
appeals, often working with other departments in the process.

"It really gave me first-hand experience of what’s going on," he
said. "The mechanism of the city is spectacular. I’m very confident
about the staff and the people who work here." advertisement

The current race marks his fourth bid for a council seat. In 2003 he
lost in the primary, but in 2005 he broke into the general election.
He tried his hand again in the 2006 special election.

"I’ve run against all the current incumbents and the two that are
leaving," he said.

"My message hasn’t changed – traffic and congestion. There’s a lot of
top-priority issues, but traffic and congestion are definitely at the
top…. The reason I continue to run is because I believe that we can
actually make a difference."

Hovanessian has already turned what began as a curiosity in civic
affairs to proactive city involvement, participating in several
service groups and gaining an appointment as chairman of the Burbank
Water and Power Board more than three years ago.

The utility has made recent strides in water conservation, renewable
power and green energy, he said.

Hovanessian’s long-time involvement in the community would serve him
well as a council member, supporter Nat Rubinfeld said.

"I see him as a quick thinker and he has the ability to analyze the
issues before making a decision," he said.

"Secondly, he’s a local product of the Burbank school systems – and
he’s definitely been a part of the community."

As a council member, Hovanessian would carefully weigh all sides of
an issue based on available information before making any decisions,
he said. And future development is a matter deserving of close
attention, he said.

"If I’m going to be approving any development I want to see an
affordable housing component," he said.

Declining enrollment numbers in the Burbank Unified School District
are symptomatic of a lack of young families moving to Burbank because
they are simply priced out of the market, Hovanessian said.

"Affordable housing is something I think is very necessary," he said.

VAHE HOVANESSIAN: ON THE ISSUES

What type of role should local government play in monitoring the pace
of land development in Burbank?

Burbank should carefully and strategically control the pace of all
land development and redevelopment. We should promote a balance and
functional mix of land uses consistent with our community values. We
should provide for growth of housing and employment opportunities in
conjunction with community goals and consistent with planned
infrastructure and service capabilities. We must foresee potential
natural hazards and plan development to reduce loss of life,
injuries, damages and other dislocations resulting. Zoning ordinances
must be consistent to ensure that property owners and residents have
a clear understanding as to the use and intensity allowed on their
properties.

Has the city’s almost two-year-old development agreement with the
airport authority provided an adequate balance between interests of
airport officials versus the concerns Burbank residents?

An adequate balance can not yet be determined. The concerns of
Burbank residents were not thoroughly addressed in the development
agreement. The delay of an expanded airport was the final result. But
who initially agreed to an expansion? It appears that the interests
of airport officials will differ significantly from the concerns of
Burbank residents, to the detriment of the residents. It was said
that the agreement brought peace; however, were we at war? It appears
that the battle has yet to begin. As such, I anticipate that no
adequate balance of interests will have resulted once the agreement
timeframes pass.

What types of things should be done to address traffic congestion on
Burbank streets and freeways?

Traffic in Burbank is increasing as a result of natural population
growth and increase of business activity in our community. Traffic
increases must be addressed through traffic-control modernization and
strategic planning. In addition, synchronization of lights at some
intersections will lead to more efficiency, smarter intersections
will result in smoother flow and stronger enforcement of traffic laws
will maintain a steady flow of traffic. Our freeways require
attention with respect to on- and off-ramps and plans exist, however
funding on the state level has not been adequate. Further, our
streets should be more pedestrian- and disabled-friendly.

BIO BOX
Name: Vahe Hovanessian
Age: 32
Family: Wife, Anne Hovanessian, 32
Occupation: Attorney
Education: Juris doctor, San Fernando Valley College; bachelor of
arts, University of California at Los Angeles