Glendale City Council elects Najarian as new mayor amidst divisive remarks

The Glendale City Council convened on April 15, 2025, to address key issues, including the election of a new mayor and ongoing community concerns. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the nomination of Councilmember Najarian for mayor, which sparked a range of opinions among council members.

Councilmember Najarian expressed a desire for unity among council members and the community, emphasizing the importance of collaboration outside of formal meetings. He highlighted the need for constructive conversations that would lead to better decision-making for the city. Despite his nomination, some council members voiced strong objections, citing concerns about Najarian's past statements and their potential impact on the community. One council member argued that elevating Najarian to the mayoral position could exacerbate existing divisions and spread misinformation.

As the meeting progressed, council members debated the merits of Najarian's nomination, with some advocating for a more thorough discussion on the mayoral rotation agreement. However, the council ultimately moved forward with the voting process. The roll call resulted in a majority vote for Najarian, officially declaring him the new mayor of Glendale.

Following the vote, Mayor Najarian addressed the council and residents, acknowledging the contentious atmosphere of the past year. He condemned hateful and intolerant remarks directed at council members and city staff, urging the community to engage in respectful dialogue. Najarian also took responsibility for contributing to the divisive tone and expressed a commitment to fostering better communication between parents and the school district regarding educational concerns.

The meeting concluded with a call for unity and a focus on addressing community issues collaboratively. The council's next steps will involve ongoing discussions to bridge gaps between differing viewpoints and ensure that the needs of Glendale residents are met effectively.