Mayor of Glendale Decides Against Seeking Reelection

In a move that could alter the balance of power in City Hall, Mayor Eileen Givens said Monday that when her term expires in April she will not seek reelection so she can spend more time with her family.

“I’ve had time to learn more about our city and its people and time to accomplish many goals, and now it’s time for me to get my life back into better balance,” she said. “Tops on my list is to be able to spend more time with my family.”

In her eight years on the council, Givens, 55, has played an active role in the adoption of stricter hillside building ordinances, approval of a new police facility and planning long-term redevelopment strategies.

Whoever is elected to replace Givens could play the role of swing vote on closely contested issues.

“On many of the issues, the vote has come in 3-2,” said Councilman Dave Weaver, who often has made up the minority vote with council member Virginia “Ginger” Bremberg. “It’ll be interesting to see who’s elected. It could be 3-2 the other way.”

At least three people have announced their intent to run for Givens’ council seat--Dave Wallis, Michael Joseph Smith and Gus Gomez. But she won’t be easily replaced, said Glendale Chief of Police Russ Siverling.

“Mayor Givens has been terrific in so many ways,” he said. “She meets with the administrators in the Police Department, as well as the rank and file.”