Burbank Leader, CA
April 14 2006

Zarian confirmed for state post

Former Glendale Mayor Larry Zarian’s seat on the California
Transportation Commission was confirmed unanimously by the California
Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday.

Zarian was appointed to the commission by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
in April 2006, but had not been confirmed for the post.

The confirmation means Zarian’s term will continue until April 23,
2010.

"I’m extremely honored that the state Senate approved what the
governor appointed last year," Zarian said. "There is no greater
honor."

The nine-member commission oversees the allocation of state
transportation funds, including the $19.9-billion in bond money
voters approved in November.

To date, $4.5 billion of the bond funds have been allocated to
various projects throughout the state, including $73 million for the
construction of a carpool lane that will widen a stretch of the
northbound Golden State (5) Freeway between Glendale and Burbank.

More than $15 billion in bond funds remain to be allocated.

"The public has entrusted us with $19.9 billion and they have said we
trust you," Zarian said.

"But we, as a commission, and legislators have an obligation to
deliver what we have promised in a timely manner.

"If we don’t produce results, we’re not going to be able to go back
to the voters and have them trust us again."