Letter to the Editor:
Why the Democratic Socialists of America Could Be Bad for Burbank
An Examination of Political Direction, Fiscal Responsibility, Housing, and Local Accountability
Burbank has long been recognized as a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. Its neighborhoods, successful businesses, entertainment industry, public services, and strong community identity have helped make it one of the most attractive cities in the San Fernando Valley. However, the recent election results and growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) raise important questions about the future direction of local government.
The concern is not whether elected officials should care about working families, affordable housing, or economic opportunity. Those are legitimate priorities. The concern is whether the political philosophy and policy priorities associated with democratic socialism are the right approach for a city like Burbank.
Three candidates in the November 2026 City Council election are Nikki Perez, Mike Van Gorder, and Nolan Southerland. DSA-LA formally endorsed Van Gorder and Southerland and recommended Perez. Their election represents an opportunity for residents to examine carefully the political direction of the incoming council.
Fiscal Responsibility and Taxes
One of the greatest concerns surrounding an expanded socialist political influence is the potential for increased government spending. Programs designed to provide additional public services, subsidized housing, and expanded government assistance can sound appealing. However, these programs require funding.
Ultimately, taxpayers pay the bills.
Burbank residents already face substantial costs associated with housing, utilities, insurance, transportation, and everyday living expenses. City government should be particularly careful about introducing new financial obligations without demonstrating how they will be funded.
Residents deserve detailed budgets, realistic cost projections, and accountability for every taxpayer dollar. Good intentions are not a substitute for responsible financial management.
Housing and Property Rights
Housing affordability is a serious issue throughout Southern California, including Burbank. However, government intervention must be carefully considered.
Policies that place excessive restrictions on property owners, discourage private investment, or create uncertainty for developers could reduce housing opportunities rather than expand them.
Private investment has historically played an important role in creating housing, supporting businesses, and generating employment. Burbank should pursue affordable housing without unnecessarily undermining property rights or making it harder for responsible businesses and property owners to operate.
The city needs practical solutions that encourage construction, preserve neighborhood character, and protect residents from unreasonable housing costs.
Why Rent Control Can Make Housing Problems Worse
Rent control is frequently presented as a solution to rising housing costs. Although it can provide short-term protection for certain existing tenants, it also carries significant risks that Burbank residents should understand.
When government limits how much landlords can increase rents, property owners may have less incentive to maintain, renovate, or improve their rental properties. Over time, this can contribute to deteriorating housing conditions and reduced investment in the rental market.
Another concern is the supply of available housing. If investors and developers believe that rental properties will become less financially attractive because of strict rent regulations, they may choose to build fewer rental units or invest their money elsewhere. When fewer rental homes are available, competition for the remaining units can increase, making it harder for new residents and families to find housing.
Rent control can also create an uneven system in which long-term tenants receive substantial benefits while newcomers face higher prices and fewer choices.
This does not mean renters should be left without protection. Reasonable tenant protections and assistance for vulnerable households are important. However, Burbank should be cautious about policies that address the symptoms of high housing costs while potentially making the underlying shortage worse.
The better long-term approach is to encourage responsible housing development, streamline appropriate permitting, and increase the supply of homes. Affordable housing requires more than controlling prices; it requires making sure enough housing actually exists.
Small Businesses and Economic Growth
Burbank’s small businesses are an essential part of its identity. Restaurants, independent retailers, contractors, entertainment-related businesses, and service providers contribute to the local economy and provide thousands of jobs.
Policies that increase operating costs, impose excessive regulations, or create additional bureaucratic requirements could make it harder for these businesses to survive.
Burbank should recognize that businesses are not simply sources of tax revenue. They are employers, investors, and members of the community.
A successful city needs a healthy relationship between government and the private sector.
Public Safety and Quality of Life
Public safety should never become a secondary consideration in local government.
Residents expect properly funded police and fire departments, effective emergency response, clean streets, maintained parks, and responsible management of public spaces.
Whatever political philosophy an elected official embraces, the obligation to protect residents and maintain essential services must remain paramount.
Burbank should not adopt policies based primarily on ideological commitments without examining their practical consequences.
Political Accountability
Perhaps the most important issue is accountability.
The Democratic Socialists of America have openly promoted their preferred candidates in Burbank. Residents should expect elected officials to put Burbank’s interests ahead of any political organization, activist group, or ideological movement.
Mike Van Gorder, Nolan Southerland, and Nikki Perez should be judged by their decisions, voting records, financial priorities, and willingness to listen to residents who disagree with them.
An endorsement does not automatically establish how an elected official will govern. Likewise, political affiliation should not replace an examination of actual performance.
Conclusion
Burbank deserves thoughtful leadership, responsible spending, economic opportunity, strong public safety, and respect for individual property rights.
Democratic socialism and policies such as strict rent control may offer appealing promises, but those promises must be evaluated against their financial costs and practical consequences.
The newly elected council members have an opportunity to demonstrate that they can govern responsibly and represent the entire community, not simply those who share their political views.
Burbank residents should remain engaged, attend council meetings, examine proposed budgets, question new policies, and hold their representatives accountable.
The future of Burbank should be determined by practical solutions and the interests of its residents, not by ideological loyalty.
Joel Schlossman
Burbank
Burbank
