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Council approves Vivian Kantian for Sustainability Commission after split vote and public discussion
Summary
The council confirmed Vivian Kantian to a two‑year term on the Sustainability Commission. Two members voted no; supporters invoked diversity of viewpoints and the nominees’ community involvement.
The Glendale City Council approved the appointment of Vivian Kantian to the Sustainability Commission for a two‑year term, despite objections from some council members about positions Kantian has taken on climate‑related issues and smart meters.
The appointment drew more than routine discussion during the nomination. Two council members said they could not support Kantian’s application because of emails and petitions she had signed questioning mainstream climate science and smart‑meter programs; another council member urged tolerance for diversity of opinion and said commissions benefit from differing viewpoints. Public input on the nomination was limited to callers and council discussion.
Outcome: The roll call on the nomination recorded the following votes: Brotman — no; Garpetian — yes; Castacan — yes; Najarian — yes; Mayor — no. The nomination passed with a 3–2 majority.
Why it matters: The appointment touches on a broader question council members discussed — the role of citizen commissioners and how strongly the council should weigh nominees’ prior public statements and activism when making appointments to advisory commissions.
Next steps: Kantian will serve on the Sustainability Commission for the designated two‑year term. Council members who expressed concerns said they expect commissioners to work constructively with staff and fellow commissioners despite prior disagreements.
