Talamantes takes mayoral seat

Jess Talamantes was chosen as Burbank’s newest mayor, but the second-most senior City Council member was passed over again during the ceremony Monday morning at City Hall.

Councilman David Gordon, who has served on the Burbank City Council for the past five years, did not receive a nomination from his fellow council members to serve as the city’s vice mayor — the traditional prelude to being appointed mayor.

The vice mayor title instead went to Councilman Dave Golonski, the three-time Burbank mayor who has served on the dais for the past 18 years.

Golonski was nominated by newly elected Councilwoman Emily Gabel-Luddy after Talamantes called for nominations during the annual reorganization meeting at City Hall.

Gordon said he had no anticipation of being nominated for the position this year.

“That had been pre-arranged and I was not included,” Gordon said of the vote.

Gabel-Luddy cited Golonski’s community involvement, championing of youth services, tenure and support on the campaign trail as her reasons for the nomination.

The council voted unanimously to elect Talamantes to the top spot.

“I’m humbled and I’m honored,” he said after taking the center chair. “And a little nervous right now.”

Talamantes said he will focus on maintaining Burbank as a healthy community — physically and fiscally — as the council moves forward with bridging a projected $8.7-million budget gap for the upcoming fiscal year.

“Our goal is not to sustain or survive,” said Talamantes. “We need to thrive for the next 100 years.”

Outgoing mayor Anja Reinke did not seek reelection this year, but pledged to continue her work in the community.

City Council will meet Thursday to set goals for the fiscal year and members will review the first draft of Burbank’s budget May 10.

Newly re-elected Burbank Unified school board President Roberta Reynolds and incumbents Dave Kemp and Ted Bunch were also sworn in by the city clerk Monday morning.