Be prepared for more. This year many of our local state representatives will be termed out, opening up a field of challengers for their seats. Many of those challengers will be from Burbank, Glendale and the foothills. Let's demand that the candidates understand the needs of these communities while maintaining a dignified debate on the issues.
At the municipal level, candidates emerged who challenged the status quo, and who gave a voice to parts of the city. In Burbank, voters will have an added say in a special election this year. Let's resolve to keep a critical eye on those running and on those we've already elected. We need progress, robust debate and civility on the dais in 2006.
* Let's hope for the continued healing of Burbank and Stacey Murphy. The former councilwoman's arrest in 2005 gave the councilwoman and the city a huge black eye. But with a special election early in 2006, Burbank has a chance to turn the corner and begin a renewed focus on issues such development, traffic and transportation. In the meantime, we hope Murphy finds healing and forgiveness as she puts her life back together.
* Let's get going on this Americana at Brand project. The past two years have been among the most politically contentious in this city, as the debate over this project has gone from robust to downright ugly. The new year brings hope that construction of the $264-million commercial and residential campus can kick into high gear. Perhaps as the construction gets going, so will the healing between the players in this debate, who will have to learn to work together if this project is going to work.
