Karen S. Kim
BURBANK -- Councilman Bob Kramer asked for an audit of the
Metropolitan Water District in 1996, resulting in a refund of $700,000 to
the city of Burbank.
In 1999, Kramer's was the sole vote against the city's budget, because
he felt it included unnecessary rate increases for Burbank residents.
And in 2000, Kramer asked for another audit of the MWD.
Kramer says that's how he has established a "watchdog" reputation with
Burbank residents.
"I've always tried to look out for the taxpayers' dollars," he said.
"I have a very well-documented history of doing that."
The 53-year-old city councilman has lived in Burbank all his life and
has served on the City Council for the past six years. During those six
years, Kramer was mayor for one term, vice mayor for two terms and has
been a member of the audit finance committee since 1995.
With six years of city service under his belt, Kramer says he's ready
to be Burbank's next city treasurer. Burbank's primary election is Feb.
27.
"I love being on the council, but this is a chance to work full time
instead of part time," Kramer said.
If elected, Kramer says he has big plans for the treasurer's office.
He'd like to offer Burbank residents and other city agencies the
option of using a credit card for all payments made at City Hall and the
Burbank Animal Shelter.
Kramer also would like to make the treasurer's office more accessible
to the public and to other city departments. Although city agencies can
only make payments to the treasurer's office within a two-hour window
each day, Kramer would like to keep the office open for payments all day.
"People already know I'm easily accessible. Everyone in town has my
pager number," Kramer said, adding that he'd like to continue that
accessibility as city treasurer.
Kramer encourages people to continue to contact him with questions on
city issues even if he is elected city treasurer and must resign from the
council.
"You call me with a question, and I'll get back to you with an answer.
I'll promise you that," Kramer said.
Kramer's candidacy has been endorsed by Mayor Bill Wiggins and
Burbank's police and firefighters' unions.
