First published in the April 2 print issue of the Glendale News Press.
Suzie Abajian, who has prior political experience elsewhere, is running for city clerk in June’s election.
“I care deeply about my hometown, Glendale, and I believe that our city needs a qualified candidate who is passionate about transparency, access and voter empowerment,” Abajian said in a statement.
Abajian, who recently moved back here after living in South Pasadena, said she is proud of her deep roots in Glendale.
“Glendale is the city where I was raised, I am a graduate of Glendale High School, and it is the city where my husband, Sean, and I have chosen to raise our family,” she said in a statement.
As a working mother of a 2-year-old and an educator of 24 years, Abajian said she understands the need for city residents to have easy access to information about city services and processes. Abajian said she is passionate about good data governance, increasing voter registration drives, educating the public about city commissions and ensuring that every eligible voter has access to the full electoral process.
The city clerk in Glendale is a full-time position, unlike most of the elected positions. Abajian said it requires someone who “not only is an expert communicator but also someone who has strong management, organizational and interpersonal skills.” The city clerk is the recordkeeper of the city, the overseer of elections and the person who ensures city compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Abajian cited her experience as an educational administrator, professor and small business owner as making her a highly qualified candidate for the city clerk position. She said that her extensive knowledge in recordkeeping, managing staff, interfacing with the public and ensuring organizational compliance with the law make her an ideal candidate for the position.
As a former school board member for the South Pasadena Unified School District, school board clerk and school board president, Abajian said she is familiar with the Brown Act, public records requests and fair political practices within governmental entities.
Abajian’s 24-year career in the field of K-12 and higher education has included teaching and working at the University of California, Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University, Occidental College, the Orange County Department of Education and currently the Glendale Unified School District.
For more information about Abajian’s campaign, visit suzieabajian.com.
