Frommer bids his farewell

GLENDALE — Assemblyman Dario Frommer made merry with friends and co-workers Wednesday night at the Alex Theatre, celebrating the end of his six years of service in the state legislature.

“It’s great to see a lot of our friends,” Frommer said.

“It’s really nice to see a lot of people you know and have a lot of fun.”

Hoover High School’s jazz band performed an eclectic mix of music as a crowd socialized in the outside patio.

Many familiar faces made appearances to meet Frommer in his final major event as the Assembly Majority Leader.

“It’s been a very nice celebration of the six years of service Dario has given to the state,” State Senator Jack Scott said.

Paul Krekorian, who will be replacing Frommer following a swearing-in ceremony Monday, said he was enjoying the atmosphere and looking forward to his new position.

“I’m going to meet with Dario to discuss transitioning as seamlessly as possible for the constituents,” he said.

After representing the 43rd Assembly District for the maximum of three two-year terms, the assemblyman is taking a break from public service.

“I have a young family,” he said.

“I enjoyed [being assemblyman], but it’s very demanding.”

He has not yet decided what he will do for a living, but for now it will be in the private sector, Frommer said.

His departure had created a mood around his Glendale office of a blend of poignancy and bustle.

“The packing has been chaotic,” staff member Narine Zardarian said.

Zardarian is moving on to become the community-relations director for the Armenian Assembly of America.

“It’s very bittersweet,” she said. “This was the best job I ever had, I can honestly say.”

Most of the staff have found jobs working for elected officials or the public sector, Frommer said.

“We ensured that everyone pretty much has a place to land,” he said.

Frommer’s staff will not have a problem moving onto better positions, said Chief of Staff Dan Reeves.

“You’re judged by who your work for,” he said.

Some politicians only go through the motions, he said. Their staffers have to be exceptional to find other positions.

“Then there are people like Dario, who is a political animal,” Reeves said.

“He’s young and energetic.”

Working for the assemblyman has turned staffers like Zenay Loera on to politics.

“It’s probably the most important type of job, whether it be working for the city … or an elected official,” she said.

Loera started out a volunteer six years ago, going door to door campaigning for Frommer. She will be moving onto work for Los Angeles councilmember Jose Huizar in six weeks. “Everyone is getting a little bit sad,” Frommer said.

“It’s their last days working for me, but we’re working right up to the end.”