Twelve run for City Council

A dozen candidates have taken out papers to run for the Glendale City Council in the April 7 election, with three seats up to be filled.

The three incumbents, Ara Najarian, Frank Quintero and Bob Yousefian, are all on the ballot.

The nine challengers are a varied group, including three former city commissioners, a former Pasadena police chief, the former president of the Adams Hill Homeowners Association and the artistic director of the Luna Playhouse, among others.

All will be trying for one of the three top spots in balloting and election to a four year term. Glendale has a winner take all system, with no runoff.

Candidates include former design review commissioner Laura Friedman, who along with Lenore Solis will be trying to break into the City Hall boys club.

Other candidates include developer Aram Kazazian, former police chief Bruce Philpott, former commissioner Vartan Gharpetian, community activist Chahe Keuroghelian, insurance man Edward Lafian and director-playwright Aramzd Stepanian.

Ardy Kassakian is unopposed in his bid to stay as city clerk, while treasurer Ron Boruki has drawn a formidable opponent in former mayor Rafi Manoukian.

The three school board incumbents, Joylene Wagner, Chuck Sambar and Greg Krikorian, are running for re-election as a slate. They have drawn opposition from Hasmig Asianian, Naira Khachatrian, Christine Walters and Eric Sahakian.

For the community college board, incumbents Anita Gabrielian and Armine Hacopian are seeking re-election. They have one challenger, Ann Hazel Ransford.

The election this year is being conducted with a $1,000 limit on campaign contributions, and with new controls on the gathering of absentee ballots. Voter registration will be accepted up to 15 days before the election.