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City Council candidate Robert Frutos

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An 18-year resident of Burbank, Robert Frutos said he wanted to live in the city since he was 15. A member of the Los Angeles Police Department, Frutos has worked in a variety of capacities during his 24 years at LAPD, including community relations and emergency services.

Frutos has spent the past eight years on the Burbank Police Commission, served on the city’s Charter Review Committee in 2005 and said he believes a City Council bid is the next step in his community service.

“This is my neighborhood, and this comes from the heart,” Frutos said. “Los Angeles is my paycheck that pays my mortgage, and Burbank is where I’ve invested my paycheck and built my family and my home.”

Why are you running for Burbank City Council?

It is time for new ideas and a new style of leadership to tackle the issues facing us today. I will represent the voice of Burbank residents at City Hall. Every Burbank resident and every Burbank neighborhood is an important part of our community.

My priority will be to preserve Burbank as the small town we all love, protecting our neighborhoods and making sure our city government is transparent and responsive to our residents. I can provide the leadership that our community needs in these challenging times.

What are the major issues or problems facing Burbank?

The economy and city budget; merit bonuses for city employees; utilities issues (water, electricity and trash rates); Bob Hope Airport development (noise issues, ground contamination and high-speed rail); ongoing Burbank Police Department litigation; and employee labor contracts.

How will you approach continued budget cuts?

Revenue shortfalls must be addressed through sound leadership. I will bring common sense and practical solutions to confront our economic and budgetary challenges.

What is your No. 1 concern for Burbank residents, and how will you address their concerns on the council?

I am very concerned that Burbank is spending too much money and not addressing the current fiscal situation. We need to look into the future and work on a more responsible spending plan that will not allow budget cuts on basic government support services to our community, such as: public safety — Burbank police and fire departments; services to our seniors; and proper funding for our parks and libraries.

INFO:

Name: Robert Frutos

Age: 46

Occupation: Police officer

Education: Los Angeles Police Academy; some college work

Endorsements: Marsha Ramos, former mayor, city of Burbank.

Jeff Vander Borght, former mayor, city of Burbank.

Armenian National Committee of America, Burbank chapter

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