Letter to the Editor:
We received a flyer in the mail from candidates Judie Wilke and Christopher Rizzotti, who are both running for Burbank City Council. I’m attaching a photo of both sides.
At least half of the photos that supposedly demonstrate Burbank’s problems “getting worse” are deceptive – they were not taken in Burbank at all. They are either stock photos or taken from product adverts.
Another line says:
“The Democratic Choice to Lead Burbank”
Municipal elections are supposed to be non-partisan, so why does this line appear on the flyer? Considering there are other candidates running (Konstantine Anthony and Mike van Gorder come to mind) who are much more closely aligned with Democratic Party goals, I would like to know what part of the Democratic Party has made these two candidates their “choice.” I can only conclude that it’s a sly attempt at messaging in the hope that Burbank Democrats will fall for the idea that Wilke and Rizzotti might represent their values.
With this amount of deception, misdirection or carelessness on just one flyer, why should we trust either Wilke or Rizzotti to sit on our City Council?
Frankie Glass
Burbank
In response to Frankie Glass’s letter regarding the mailer from Judie Wilke and Christopher Rizzotti, I would like to address several misleading points and clarify some key facts.
Firstly, it’s essential to emphasize that the mailer in question was not produced or coordinated by Wilke and Rizzotti or their campaigns. Under California’s Independent Expenditure laws, third parties, such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), have the legal right to fund and distribute political materials without the involvement or approval of the candidates they support. As such, it’s inappropriate to place blame on Wilke and Rizzotti for images or content that they had no control over.
Glass points out that some images in the mailer may not be from Burbank. While it’s valid to want accurate representation, the issues highlighted in the flyer—rising crime, homelessness, traffic, and other concerns—are real problems Burbank is currently facing.
The broader point of the mailer is to bring attention to these challenges and propose solutions, which Wilke and Rizzotti aim to address in their campaign. Let’s not get distracted by debating stock photos while the issues themselves remain urgent.
Moreover, Glass questions why the mailer labels Wilke and Rizzotti as “The Democratic Choice to Lead Burbank.” While municipal elections are non-partisan, the Democratic Party historically supports labor, as evidenced by the IBEW’s endorsement. Wilke and Rizzotti are experienced leaders with a proven track record of public service, which aligns with Democratic values of community, safety, and responsible governance. The claim that they are “the Democratic choice” isn’t deception but a reflection of their backing from local unions and Democrats who see them as the candidates best equipped to move Burbank forward.
On the other hand, it’s important to point out that Konstantine Anthony and Mike Van Gorder, both running for the same council seats, are endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America – Los Angeles (DSA-LA). This is an organization with more progressive and far-left views, which doesn’t necessarily align with the values of mainstream Democratic voters. Therefore, the claim that Wilke and Rizzotti are not aligned with the Democratic Party is simply not true.
They are supported by unions and Democrats with a more centrist, pragmatic approach to solving Burbank’s problems, unlike the more radical stances taken by Anthony and Van Gorder.
The focus should be on who has the experience and capability to serve the community effectively, rather than getting lost in criticisms over mailers that the candidates themselves didn’t create. #BurbankElections #BurbankCityCouncil
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