BUSD Candidate: Vahe Hovanessian
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At a Glance:
Age: 40
Occupation: Attorney
Political affiliation: Decline to state
Education: University of San Fernando College of Law (J.D.)
University of California, Los Angeles (B.A, Political Science)
Burbank High School
Online Resources
Campaign Website
Facebook page
vahehovanessian@yahoo.com
Questionnaire:
Have you run for office previously?
This is my first run for Board of Education. I unsuccessfully ran for Burbank City Council in 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Why are you running?
To benefit all BUSD students and the district by keeping schools strong and providing even greater opportunities when possible. I have been involved in school district business over the last five years on the School Facilities Oversight Committee. Over a decade of service including Planning Board and Water & Power Board provide extensive experience in analysis and budget matters that will be beneficial in the District’s decision-making process involving the scarce dollars for our schools.
What is the most important issue facing BUSD?
The most important issues are reducing class sizes, expanding programs and enhancing employee compensation all in an extremely limited budget environment. The District must adjust accordingly. My experience will provide constructive, positive and beneficial contributions during deliberation toward building consensus. I will listen, learn and question with the goal of benefiting our kids by maximizing every dollar.
Name a recent issue or policy the current BUSD board has decided that you agree with. Why?
I agree with the Board’s support of the Measure S Bond because of our need to rehabilitate our aging infrastructure, to provide 21st century classroom technology and facilities needed to keep our students competitive into the future, and to augment safety and security of our campuses. The bond is an investment in the future of our schools and our students.
Name a recent issue or policy the current BUSD board has decided that you disagree with. Why?
We have not moved fast enough to take the Measure S dollars available for energy conservation. Every month that passes without installing readily available technologies costs our district precious general fund dollars that would be better invested in our classrooms.
What is the best thing about how BUSD is currently run?
The best thing about how the BUSD is currently run is the teamwork atmosphere that benefits the district. The Board has spirited deliberations and has been relatively cohesive without individual members losing their identities. I know that I can work well in such an environment of teamwork based upon a common goal to benefit all our kids.
What is the worst thing about how BUSD is currently run?
I think that some difficulties may have arisen from the state of flux amongst the highest ranking administrative positions. In the past few years, the District has had four different superintendents and an even greater number of assistant superintendents. As a result of interim staff, slower administration response to matters has resulted. At this time, there is a lack of institutional memory at the highest levels of administration.
What programs or areas to you believe deserve priority or additional spending? Why?
Safety upgrades to our schools must be made to address issues when identified. I support incremental movement toward full implementation of the District’s arts for all plan. I support more vocational opportunities for interested middle and high school kids. I support maintaining a committed focus for using technology as an instructional tool to better prepare our kids for their future.
What qualities should BUSD’s next superintendent have?
The next superintendent should have a strong instructional background, and a hopefully a strong business background. I would seek someone who has a defined educational vision and ability to achieve goals. The next superintendent should be technologically fluent and an excellent communicator. I would expect the next superintendent to be transparent, well spoken and knowledgeable about the position, our kids and our district.
Open Response:
[Editor’s Note: This is a news release dated Dec. 30, 2014]
Vahe Hovanessian, Esq., established and trusted community leader, and parent of two is honored to announce that his campaign for the Burbank Board of Education has received the support and endorsement of four current Burbank Board of Education members including Larry Applebaum, Vice-President Charlene Tabet, Dave Kemp and Ted Bunch.
Ten year Board Member Applebaum states, “I know Vahe to be a dynamic and effective leader. He is dedicated to the best possible education for all Burbank children.”
“As a parent of a 1st grader, I know that the stakes are high when it comes to the future of our children. I have the passion, education, experience, leadership and dedication needed to ensure our schools remain strong,” states Hovanessian, a lifelong Burbank resident and practicing attorney.
Board Member and Vice-President Tabet provides her endorsement, “Vahe is invested in our schools and community. He is a parent of a student. I know that Vahe’s years of experience will well serve our kids and our district.”
Hovanessian’s experience as a five year member and chair of the District’s Bond Oversight Committee, four year member and chair of the Burbank Planning Board, four year member and chair of the Burbank Water and Power Board, Rotarian, basketball coach, soccer coach, volunteer with the Burbank Library Literacy Services, and as a long-time community volunteer “will make Hovanessian a great Board Member,” states twelve year Board Member Bunch.
“Vahe has a keen awareness of the needs of the district,” affirms twelve year Board Member Kemp, “he has solid ideas towards accomplishing goals.”
Among Hovanessian’s goals as a Board Member are: to incorporate 21st century learning styles into the curriculum; to work to maximize every education dollar to benefit students; to provide funding for the best educators the District can afford; and to have schools that are safe and well maintained.
Mr. Hovanessian understands that there are many issues facing students and states, “I will work collaboratively with teachers, parents, staff and fellow Board Members to ensure that every student is equipped to enter college or the work force. The outpouring of support I have received for my campaign thus far is tremendous and speaks volumes about our community and how much we value education, our kids, and our future.”
To read more about what Vahe’s endorsers have to say, for more information and to join the Vote Vahe team visit www.VoteVahe.com.
Public Records & Legal Information:
Lawsuit: Angela Feldman vs. Vahe Hovanessian – Los Angeles Superior Court – BC527632
Filed: Nov. 13, 2013
Case Type: State civil
Status: Pending
Summary: Feldman, a former client of Hovanessian’s, sued him for legal malpractice, claiming that he dismissed a lawsuit she had filed against Fidelity National regarding her Glendale home. She also claims he failed to property litigate a claim involving an apartment complex she owned (Roger Feldman vs. Anton Holden). As a result of the dismissal, Feldman claims she lost the properties and sustained damages of more than $3 million.
Hovanessian, in legal documents, countersued, stating that Feldman and her son Roger owed him about $9,000 in legal fees. In a separate document, he also disputed that Angela Feldman was not aware of the dismissal in the Fidelity suit, attaching a signed document from her directing him to dismiss the suit. He also stated that Angela Feldman was not a plaintiff in the Holden case, making her claims in that instance moot.
In August, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge dismissed all of Feldman’s claims. Hovanessian’s claim for his fees is pending.
In October, a California State Bar judge recommended that Arshak Bartoumian, the attorney who represented Feldman in her case against Hovanessian, be disbarred. The judge found Bartoumian had committed legal and ethical misconduct with more than 50 clients, including prosecuting legally unworthy cases.
Candidate Response: I just want to make it clear that the only issue remaining is my cross-complaint for unpaid invoice. Angela Feldman’s complaint was dismissed by the court.
Endorsements:
Larry Applebaum *BUSD Boardmember
Charlene Tabet *BUSD VP Boardmember
Dave Kemp *BUSD Boardmember
Ted Bunch *BUSD Boardmember
Dr. David Gordon *Mayor of Burbank
Jess Talamantes * Burbank City Councilmember
Gary Bric * Burbank City Councilmember
Dr. Armine G. Hacopian * Glendale Community College Board of Trustees
Pete McGrath *Former BUSD Board
Audrey Hanson *Former BUSD Board
Dave Golonski *Former Burbank Mayor
Elena Hubbell *Former BUSD Board
Mary Alvord *Former Burbank City Mgr.
Michael Hastings *Former Burbank Mayor
John Dilibert *BPD Lt., Former BUSD Board
Linda Walmsley *Teacher BUSD
Bruce Clarke *BUSD Parent, SFOC Alt.
Tim Conway Jr. *BUSD Parent, Radio Host
Annie P. Hovanessian *BUSD Parent, Vice-Chair BWP
Barry Gussow * Resident, Realtor
Kevin Harrop *SFOC Member
David M. Carletta DC *SFOC Member
Martin Adams *Former BWP Board Chair
Ana Connell *BUSD Parent, Realtor
Walt Brennan Jr. *SFOC Member
Undine K. Petrulis *BUSD Parent, Planning Board
E. Paul Brodsky *Business owner, resident
Douglas Drake *Planning Board member
Razmik Hovanessian *Chair Landlord/Tenant Comm.
Kimberly Jo *Chair Planning Board
Greg Jackson *Chair SFOC
Vincent Zarian *Parent, business owner
Caroline Solberg *BUSD Parent, business owner
Eric Rosoff *BUSD Parent, retired BPD
Sue Georgino *Former Burbank Community Development Director & Airport Commissioner
Vic Georgino *Community Volunteer
Wendy Miller *Teacher BUSD
Jay & Alice Elkins *Burbank Residents
Rafi Hovanessian DC *Burbank Resident
Robert Vincent *Vice-Chair Civic Pride Committee
Hagop Hergelian *Vice-Chair Police Commission
Michael “Mike” Nolan * Longtime Burbank Resident
Alisa Sabshin, MD * BUSD Parent
Armenian National Committee of America - Burbank
Paula Tribusky * BUSD Parent
Daniel Ranon Rosenberg, Esq. * Parent and business owner
Suzanne Weerts * BUSD Parent
* For Identification Purposes Only
* Current elected officials are in bold
Funds raised by Hovanessian:
