David Gordon selected mayor

After eight years of serving on the Burbank City Council, David Gordon was selected — for the first time — to serve as the city’s mayor.

Gordon has been elected three times in the last eight years yet has been passed over multiple times for the annual rotating position, which takes the majority vote of the council. But he did spend the last year serving as vice mayor, which is often a stepping stone to mayorship.

“It took eight years…but we finally made it,” Gordon said after he was selected for the position, which drew a standing ovation from the audience. “I will never take the people’s trust and confidence for granted.”

Councilman Gary Bric nominated Gordon for the position, citing his years of service.

“He has paid his dues, within reason,” Bric said. “At times. I think this council is very dysfunctional. I’m hoping we can change that.”

Bric’s motion was seconded by Councilman Bob Frutos, who has sided with Gordon on a number of issues since he was elected last year.

“The people believe in Dr. Gordon,” Frutos said. “He sometimes can be very anal when we’re discussing issues, but he’s very passionate — I think it’s only fair.”

Gordon was approved as mayor in a 4-0-1 vote, with Councilwoman Emily Gabel-Luddy abstaining. She argued that as vice mayor, Gordon, who runs an optometry practice, put civic tasks on his plate that he couldn’t find time to complete until the new year.

“I haven’t seen evidence that you have the time,” Gabel-Luddy said.

Though it’s a largely ceremonial position, the mayor runs the council’s weekly meetings and acts as a spokesperson for the city.

Gordon said Thursday that in 2006, he campaigned on three ideas from which he has never wavered, including that it was time for change, the status quo wasn’t good enough anymore and to always put the people first.

“I plan to renew that pledge every day that I am here as mayor,” he said.

Gordon replaces Gabel-Luddy, who spent the last year in the position. During the meeting, City Manager Mark Scott gave her a scrapbook chronicling her mayorship.

“You’ve shown up everywhere,” he said. “This is the hardest working City Council I’ve ever been associated with.”

Frutos was selected unanimously to serve as vice mayor. “I’m very humbled and I thank you very much,” Frutos said.

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Follow Alene Tchekmedyian on Google+ and on Twitter: @atchek.

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