BURBANK : City Will Keep an Eye on Riordan’s Actions

Even outside the city of Los Angeles, the administration of new Mayor Richard Riordan is being watched closely.

“I think most of the people that I have talked with here believe--and it’s also my own belief--that Riordan is going to be good for the Valley and what’s good for the Valley is good for Burbank,” said Burbank City Manager Robert Ovrom.

As mayor, Riordan will sit on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board and also make three appointments to the 13-member panel. Burbank, which is trying to promote a light-rail line from the Burbank Airport to downtown Los Angeles as well as a monorail from Burbank to Universal City, is watching MTA membership closely.

Although Burbank typically deals with council members on specific issues, Riordan will generally be favorable to Burbank interests, and foster a better relationship with the Los Angeles neighbor, Ovrom said.

“But some of these things will cut both ways,” Ovrom said. With his pro-business philosophy, Riordan may be able to encourage businesses planning to move to Burbank to relocate to Los Angeles instead.

“A lot of businesses have approached Burbank about relocating because the city (Los Angeles) has been difficult to work with,” Ovrom said. That may change, but overall, Burbank officials may be able to look forward to real benefits from an improved Los Angeles and a better relationship with the city, Ovrom said.