Roman Gora
I am disappointed by the turn of events for the ROAR Initiative and the
conduct of several members of the Burbank City Council.
Approximately 7,400 residents signed the petition hoping the council
members would respect the initiative process by putting it to a local
vote. Unfortunately, due to a minor technicality, the initiative was
rejected by the City Clerk. Surprisingly, at the March 21 Council meeting
an honorable effort was made in a motion by Mayor Stacey Murphy and
Councilman Bob Kramer to acknowledge the will of the people. The motion
would have moved the initiative toward a city vote but instead Councilmen
Dave Golonski and David Laurel voted against it, thereby postponing city
unity on this divisive airport issue.
Making matters worse, Golonski complicated the issue by suggesting
another proposal, making it the third potential proposal on the airport
matter. How much more time and taxpayers' dollars will it take to prepare
Golonski's newest proposal? If it's anything similar to the effort spent
on the Framework for Settlement then someone should write a check for
several million dollars and get it over with.
It's offensive that Golonski would overlook an existing initiative
supported by citizens in his own community. Both councilmen cited legal
problems with the initiative, but would not specify. It appears Golonski
will only support a resolution that he creates and spearheads. Golonski's
behavior is not conducive to good team work necessary to support a
resolution. It's clear to me that Laurel follows Golonski's direction and
that he was too weak to have been the deciding vote that night. Now it's
up to Councilman Bill Wiggins.
I urge everyone to support the ROAR initiative's right to be decided
by a vote of Burbank residents. The initiative deserves the opportunity
to "survive" or "die" on its own. It's an initiative that supports
responsible expansion without leaving our city vulnerable to the Airport
Authority.
Communicate with Councilman Wiggins and let your voice and vote be
heard.
ROMAN GORA is a resident of the Rancho District. Reach him at
556-5400.
