Shame on city’s non-voters

For those concerned about where responsibility resides for the low turnout in the recent Burbank election, there is only one place to look — all the voters who didn’t vote. Speaking for myself as a Burbank citizen, shame on them (“Election turnout hits a new low,” Feb. 26).

The city of Burbank has made it as simple and convenient as possible to vote by introducing the all mail-in ballot. People in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya are risking their lives to claim their freedom. Having to put a stamp on a ballot is such a crushing burden it prevents you from voting?

The city clerk has implemented an extensive get-out-the-vote campaign with marketing in all sorts of creative places. Banners, signs and notices with the deadline are everywhere. If you can remember to pay your bills and file your tax return on time, you can remember to vote.

No, we don’t have gut-wrenching scandals like the city of Bell to attract voter interest, and thank heaven for that. But if people want to continue to have a great community and government like we have here in Burbank, then they need to take their responsibilities seriously and vote.

There are no excuses, no one else to blame.

Chris Carson

Burbank

Editor’s note: Carson is the co-president of the League of Women Voters Glendale/Burbank.

Primary voters benefitted from the Leader’s coverage

I want to express my appreciation to the Burbank Leader for its endorsement in the recent primary election and, perhaps more importantly, to your coverage of the candidates and issues. Every Burbank resident who voted in the Feb. 22 primary election was the beneficiary of your coverage.

During the campaign, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with residents across the city who shared their ideas and suggestions for dealing with the many issues that confront our city. As the campaign moves ahead, I look forward to continuing that dialogue on my door-to-door walks. These have afforded me a deeper appreciation of many of the city’s continuing challenges, as well as many aspects of our city that make it a great place to live and work.

I appreciated the candor of residents’ positions and look forward to working twice as hard to earn their votes come April 12. The budget, jobs, transparency, neighborhood protection, the airport, development, traffic — these issues and others I encourage you to contact me about and make your feelings known, by either calling me at (818) 823-1594, or e-mailing me at egluddy@gmail.com.

Thank you, Burbank.

Emily Gabel-Luddy

Burbank

Maintaining student programs is a priority

Now that the elections for Board of Education positions has concluded (“Incumbents reign on school board,” Feb. 23), I wish to thank the citizens of Burbank for allowing me to serve the community I love for another four years.

I want to thank the Burbank chapter of the Armenian National Committee and the local chapter of the Sierra Club for their endorsements and support for this election. I look forward to working with my fellow board members on the very critical issues we face in this economic climate. Maintaining programs that benefit students remains a priority. Reducing costs and addressing revenue issues have my full attention and understanding.

Community support for our public schools has been tremendous in the past and I am confident that support will continue into the future. Many programs are generously supported by the business community, nonprofit organizations and individuals. Our students benefit from the generosity of the community.

I am proud of the relationship that exists between the Burbank Unified School District and the city of Burbank. It is no wonder that Burbank has been chosen to be a “100 Best Communities for Young People.” We work together to provide for the needs of young people.

This is a great community. We all should be proud of what we have: A great school district and a great city.

Dave L. Kemp

Burbank