New blood all but assured on Montrose Shopping Park board

Nov. 7, 2011 12 AM PT

Two long-time board members for the Montrose Shopping Park Assn., which is trying to reboot after allegations of embezzlement and other issues, announced they will not seek reelection, clearing the way for fresh blood on the leadership bench.

Montrose Shopping Park Assn.Treasurer Maureen Palacios and President Alyce Russell announced Thursday they will not be running for reelection this month, making it one of the first times both incumbents have bowed out of a race.

Five newcomers are running for the open seats, a large candidate pool for the oft-ignored election, members said.

At last month’s board meeting, several business owners -- some of whom have thrown their hats into the election ring - -said the organization, which governs the business improvement district, needed fresh perspectives.

They questioned the board’s leadership abilities in light of a Glendale police investigation into embezzlement of the Montrose Harvest Market. Glendale police secured a search warrant for the condominium of former Councilman John Drayman — who had maintained an active role in the Sunday farmers market through April — but have declined to comment on the investigation.

“I’m ready to let other people serve,” Russell said. “I’ve been on the board for nine years.”

Palacios, who’s served since 2004, said: “I own a store and have children and my kids are going to college. I’ve done my public service.”

The five candidates are: Joselitos owner Corey Grijalva, Copy Nertwork owner Andre Orduvegian, The Clothing Market owner Sebu Chatoyan, Quiznos owner Maroun Atallah and Acquire Associated Realty owner Robert Yoohana.

Shopping park members will be getting their ballots this month to be counted at the group’s December board meeting.

Embattled Montrose Harvest Market back on track

-- Brittany Levine, Times Community News

Twitter: @britannylevine

Photo: The Montrose Harvest Market. Credit: Glendale News-Press.