Argument for Council District.
Because of a possible lawsuit and after several attempts to put council districts on the ballot, Glendale residents have an opportunity to vote in favor or against the issue, no matter what the naysayers say!
We are no longer a sleepy little town, but a regional powerhouse, due to this and previous councils over development of downtown and south Glendale.
We have a geographic bias in voting patterns throughout the city. Most council candidates have lived north of the 134 Freeway.
Council members like to argue that in any given area of the city there are five council members representing the people. Had there been a Council District person would that person have allowed an Eiffel Tower to be built on the Office Depot corner at Pacific and Broadway, a five story high 180 unit mega apartment complex? The area is surrounded by a peaceful community of low rise residential and commercial properties.
Just imagine this Eiffel Tower in one’s own backyard. We do not see this in Chevy Chase Canyon, Glenoaks Canyon, Montrose, NW Glendale, Rossymone, or Whiting Woods. The folks in South Glendale deserve to have the same quality of life as the folks in North Glendale.
The damage has been done and continues! What happens in South Glendale will affect North Glendale.
Council districts will help ensure that all parts of the city are effectively represented. Seven council districts, with about 30,000 residents, could make it easier for a grass roots candidate to win. Candidates would have personal knowledge of their neighborhoods. An individual would not require the backing of a large organization and this process could lessen the impact of special interests.
Mike Mohill
