Letter to the Editor:
Family, Community, Education. These are the core values guiding my decisions and shaping my sense of purpose. They inspire my candidacy for the Burbank Board of Education, where I intend to leverage my skills to help the Burbank Unified School District address the many challenges it currently faces.
Unfortunately, my opponent—a two-term incumbent—has spent the first several weeks of his campaign falsely attacking my character and motives, misrepresenting my position on LGBTQ+ issues, and criticizing me for not having children. Given the national conversation on these topics, it seems surreal that my opponent would embrace this type of divisive political
campaigning in a nonpartisan race for the School Board. Clearly, this is his way of turning attention away from his record by smearing my good reputation.
While it is my desire to debate the issues and focus on the current state of BUSD, I can no longer ignore these misogynistic attacks. Misrepresenting women to prop yourself up is uncalled for and has no place in our community, much less on the School Board.
I’d like to take this opportunity to address these allegations and refocus the conversation on what matters—our schools. First, it’s true that I do not have children. I am not alone in this; the current and past president of the School Board also do not have children. Yet, nobody has questioned their commitment to Burbank schools. Instead of embracing archaic views on women in leadership roles, my opponent should focus on the merits. What has he accomplished for Burbank schools in his last eight years?
Even more concerning is my opponent’s attempt to use LGBTQ+ students for personal political gain by suggesting that I do not support an inclusive environment for all students, teachers and staff. Like what we’ve seen on the national stage, my opponent is simply lying. I believe that learning and teaching environments should be respectful and inclusive, regardless of an individual’s background, beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other immutable characteristic. Before we can challenge our students academically, we must ensure they feel safe, supported, and seen.
Had my opponent asked about my background or views, he would have learned that I have a college-level certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, serve as a Race and Gender Liaison in my professional capacity, and fully support policies that protect and provide resources for minority and marginalized groups, including but not limited to the LGBTQ+ community.
BUSD must be welcoming and safe for all students, and my opponent should stop falsely claiming that I am not supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.
My name is Annie Markarian. I have been a Labor & Employment attorney for nearly 20 years, with the last 11 years spent serving in the public sector. I support hardworking people, living wages, and safe and healthful conditions. I have the skills to manage tight budgets, build strong union relationships, engage with the community, and drive meaningful change. My goal is to make a positive contribution to our community by serving on the Burbank School Board.
I am asking for the opportunity to earn your trust by examining the record of my opponent and comparing it with the skills I bring to the table. I’m asking you to hold my opponent accountable for his record, speak out against his misogyny and false statements, and consider the significant differences between us as people and leaders.
I look forward to meeting you on the campaign trail and serving our community on the Burbank School Board. The Board needs members with strong leadership skills who are willing to roll up their sleeves and help shepherd BUSD through tough economic times. A vote for me is a vote against the status quo.
Annie Markarian
Candidate for Burbank Board of Education
It’s unfortunate we live in a time where you must refute unfounded claims leveled against you by a political opponent, Ms. Markarian. The issues fall by the wayside when opponents must fight for their good intentions and name.
Upon reading the headline of your Letter to the Editor, and without yet reading the letter itself, I was certain it would contain accusations of misogyny. This is how much we’ve devolved as a society and especially in the political arena.
We women must take matters into our own hands. I’ve made it my practice in recent decades to only vote for women candidates. I find it imperative that we elect more women to positions of power. We must make a level playing field for those women who will follow us in the future.
No longer is it acceptable for male candidates to display the kind of misogyny we’re witnessing today. No longer will women sit by and allow them to demean, degrade or devalue their worth, experience or courage.
This is a battle, Ms. Markarian. I hope the women of Burbank help you unseat the incumbent.
Ms. Markarian,
Thank you for having the courage to stand up to bullying behavior. I have witnessed, first hand, the attempt to question your motives, vilify your intentions and damage your reputation through a whispering smear campaign. This behavior has no place in Burbank elections. We need courageous leaders on the Board of Education who will role model for our children that Kindness and Character Count. I believe you can be that leader. I urge anyone who has questions about your goals, your beliefs and your reasons for running for the Board of Education to contact you directly and listen to your story first hand.
Respectfully,
Roberta Reynolds
Former Board of Education Member
Community Volunteer
We are seeing this type of smearing and derogatory rhetoric all too often, and it is horrible when it stoops to the level they have gone to against you. It is time to elect leaders who will keep Burbank’s interests at the forefront.
Thank you for your dedication to our city, our community, and its children.
David Donahue
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