(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

Even though the election was held Tuesday, Burbank’s all-mail election results were not finalized until Friday afternoon.  Because of a new California law requiring all ballots in mail-in elections be counted that are postmarked by election day, close to 1,000 ballots came in after Tuesday’s first count.

That count had both current Councilmen Bob Frutos and Jess Talamantes elected with both over 50% over the count of total ballots.  However, the additional days and ballots brought Frutos under the 50% threshold forcing him into the General Election to be held April 11. This will also be an all mail election.

Burbank City Clerk, Zizette Mullins, announced that final results for Burbank’s Primary Nominating Election. Of the 66,711 eligible voters, 10,902 ballots were cast (10,190 ballots were cast in the 2015 Primary), representing a 16.34 percent return rate. With all ballots verified and counted including the mail received on March the 3rd at noon and the ballots that were pending verification by the Los Angeles County Registrar/Recorder’s Office.

Burbank City Clerk Zizette Mullins holds the official Elections Results along with Assistant City Clerk Shelley Collins and Election Consultant Scott Martin of Martin & Chapman.(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

There were eight candidates who qualified for the ballot for the three City Council seats (in ballot order):

Sharon Springer (3,914 votes), Richard Carr (1,429 votes), Talamantes (5,485 votes), Gregory R. Sousa (2,465 votes), Frutos (5,320 votes), Juan Guillen (3,176 votes), Konstantine Anthony (2,117 votes) and David Gordon (4,799 votes).

Talamantes received a majority of the votes cast and therefore is duly elected to office for a full term of four years, ending April 30, 2021.

There was one candidate who qualified for the ballot for the City Clerk seat (in ballot order): Current City Clerk Zizette Mullins (7,946 votes) and City Treasurer Debbie Kukta (7,972 votes) both ran unopposed and were re-elected

Three candidates ran for two Board of Education seats (in ballot order): Steven Frintner (5,745 votes), Charlene “Char” Tabet (5,510 votes), and Larry Applebaum (5,398 votes). Frintner and Tabet received a majority of the votes cast and were elected to office for a full term of four years, ending April 30, 2021.

The following press release was received from the candidates election committee:

The Burbank Police Officers’ Association recently endorsed City Councilmember Bob Frutos for re-election to his seat in the February 28, 2017 election.   

“This endorsement has been made because of Mr. Frutos current record on many issues of importance to our officers and the citizens of Burbank, as well as the general public and his excellent leadership performance.  We are proud to be one of Bob Frutos supporters and look forward to his service to the Citizens of Burbank.”  Lieutenant Jay Hawver, President Burbank Police Officer’s Association.

“It is an honor to have received the endorsement from the Burbank Police Officers’ Association.   As a retired Police Officer, this endorsement is very important to me as I understand and I value the hard work and commitment of the men and women of the Burbank Police Department.  I thank the BPAO for their support and I will continue to serve proudly and diligently to make a positive and lasting difference in our community”.  Bob Frutos said.

The City Clerk’s Office announced that a random drawing was conducted at the Candidate Orientation meeting on Thursday, December 15, 2016, to select the following Ballot Order for candidates for the 2017 Primary Nominating Election. The election will be conducted on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, to fill three (3) City Council, one (1) City Clerk, one (1) City Treasurer and two (2) Board of Education seats.

City Council Candidates (3 Seats)

1. Sharon Springer
2. Richard Carr
3. Jess A. Talamantes
4. Gregory R. Sousa
5. Robert “Bob” Frutos
6. Juan Guillen
7. Konstantine Anthony
8. David Gordon

Board of Education (2 Seats)

1. Steven Frintner
2. Charlene “Char” Tabet
3. Larry A. Applebaum

City Treasurer (1 Seat)

1. Debbie Kukta

City Clerk (1 Seat)

1. Zizette Mullins

Editor’s Note: myBurbank will run all press releases without editing or censorship from all candidates for election in the February, 2017 election. myBurbank will print responses to a questionnaire that will be sent to all candidates about their views and opinions in January before making endorsements at the beginning of February.

The following is a press release supplied by the candidate:

Burbank City Councilmember Bob Frutos will seek re-election to his seat in the February 28, 2017 election.

Elected in 2013, Bob expressed great appreciation for the opportunity to serve on the Council, and reiterated his promise to continue “working tirelessly for our city and all its residents and neighborhoods.”

Noting his strong support among numerous residents from ever part of Burbank and Community Leaders, Councilmember Frutos said, “I am committed to continuing to make a positive and lasting difference in our community.”

During the past four years, Councilmember Frutos has brought in new ideas and a fresh perspective to local government, while maintaining his professionalism and a steady demeanor. “I believe in order to have a functional and effective council; members have to be able to work cohesively in order to accomplish good and necessary things for the residents of Burbank.”

Councilmember Frutos’ innovative leadership style led to a number of community events which have generated overwhelming participation:

• The city’s first “Rock-a-Hula” pool party for older adults. This is now an annual event.
• Burbank hosted athletes from around the world for the Special Olympics Games.
• The City Council’s first Open House to reach out to the community.  Over 100 residents and their families showed up at City Council office to speak with their Councilmembers.
• Bob’s creative thinking, along with the professional and talented staff in the Public Information Office, produced an Emmy Award winning video, “Drawing Power of Burbank”, the 2015 State of the City address by then Mayor Frutos.

Councilmember Frutos will continue to work on key issues, including easing traffic, neighborhood protection, parking control, balanced development and support for small business, and support Seniors Services.

Councilmember Frutos and his family have been residents of Burbank for 24 years.  He retired from the Los Angeles Police Department after 29 years of service