Assembly next step for Glendale mayor?
Joshua Pelzer
Glendale Mayor Frank Quintero could have his eye on the California
statehouse.
During an appearance on “Larry Zarian Forum” on Thursday night,
Quintero said he would “probably” and “possibly” run for the seat
held by Assemblyman Dario Frommer (D-Burbank) when his term ends in
2006. Frommer cannot run again because of term limits.
Quintero, who was appointed as Glendale’s mayor in April, said
Friday that his statements were not a formal candidacy declaration.
“It by no means was an announcement,” he said. “It’s something I
might be interested in, in the future, and that’s as far as that
goes.”
If he seeks a second City Council term in April 2005, Quintero
would have to resign if he wins the 43rd Assembly seat.
“I told him any time he decided to do that, I’ll support him,”
Glendale Councilman Bob Yousefian said. “I don’t’ know if he’s going
to do this or not, but 2006 is a long time, especially in a
politician’s life.”
Glendale Councilman Rafi Manoukian said Quintero’s comments were
unexpected.
“I’m completely surprised,” he said. “There were no indications of
him even considering it. I recall him saying after his council term,
he was going to retire to Spain.”
Quintero is not the only councilman who might make a bid for
Frommer’s seat.
“I can’t comment on Frank [Quintero’s] decision to seek that post
or not ... but I’m keeping options open myself for other
opportunities, including that one,” Glendale Councilman Gus Gomez
said.
Glendale Councilman Dave Weaver said the news did not come as a
surprise and that he will not support either man.
“These guys are using council as a stepping stone to higher office
and personally, I don’t think that is representing the people when
you’re using that for higher office,” he said.
Weaver, Yousefian and Manoukian confirmed Friday that they have no
interest in pursuing a higher office.
Representatives for Frommer declined to speculate Friday on who
would fill his seat when his term limit is up.