CITY CLERK CANDIDATES 2022
Blue Values Burbank Empowers Voters
While we did not prepare a City Clerk candidate questionnaire this election, we invited the three candidates to submit their statement for the community so that voters can learn more about them
Jamal el-Amin
Burbank residents! The city clerk’s office is your office. It’s a link between you and city government. I want to make the office a household name to every resident. I will listen to your concerns, make sure your voices are heard, and keep you well informed about city issues and affairs. I also want to research ways to make our community services more accessible and expansive. Under my leadership, the clerk’s office will work on ways to make our elections the most convenient and modernized in the country. We will also strive to increase voter turnout, with targeted outreach slated toward education and interaction.
Ten years ago, I moved to this beautiful city and immediately fell in love. It’s so clean, safe, and quiet. In the last 15 years I became very interested in national politics. I’ve invested in campaigns, phone banked for candidates and canvassed door to door. Over the years I’ve come to realize how true the old adage remains, “all politics are local.” In the interest of learning more about Burbank, I started attending council meetings and quickly realized why this city’s so special. It’s you! Burbank residents and city officials love this city and are invested in preserving and improving its quality. I wanted to know more and was happy to be selected into the RISE (Residents Inspiring Service & Empowerment) class of 2021. Through this wonderful community program, I learned so much about the inner workings of city government and services, like City Council, Burbank Water and Power and Parks and Recreation. I was also inspired by my instructors, and fellow classmates, such talented and engaged residents. We’ve created a lasting bond that persist to this day. The RISE program taught me how important individual participation is to the growth and success of a city.
I want to increase that participation among all of Burbank’s wonderful residents, especially those who’ve never been politically engaged. The power of our city is bolstered by the value, which resides in all our residents. As a professional and in my personal life, I’ve come to appreciate the value of service and it will be my honor to serve you, my fellow Burbank residents.
Kimberley Clark
I am excited to announce my candidacy for Burbank City Clerk. I grew up in Burbank, attended Burbank schools, and am proud to call Burbank my hometown. I believe in public service and in the importance of giving back to my community. In my current role with the Burbank Unified School District, I have developed good relationships with community members and state and local officials. In addition to serving the students and families of Burbank, I oversee elections for the Board of Education, I serve as the District’s Filing Officer with regard to Conflict of Interest and other disclosure statements, I maintain the District’s policies and administrative regulations, and I manage the production of agendas and minutes for Board of Education meetings. My professional experience puts me in an excellent position to perform the responsibilities of the City Clerk with trust and transparency. I am a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.
I have received the support of key community leaders including former Burbank Mayors Marsha Ramos, Jef Vander Borght, Dr. David Gordon, and Anja Reinke; lifetime community volunteers Janet Diel, Mike Chapman, Roger Koll, and Paul William McKenna; School Board Members Steve Frintner, Dr. Emily Weisberg, Char Tabet, and Dr. Armond Aghakhanian; Diana Abasta, President of the Burbank Teachers Association; Laura Baumann, President of the California School Employees Association; and former School Board Members Dave Kemp, Elena Hubbell, and Dr. Roberta Reynolds. The Burbank Democratic Club, the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley, and the Los Angeles County Democratic Party have all endorsed me.
After graduating from John Burroughs High School, I received a B.A. in Honors English from California State University, Northridge, and an M.A. in Business Writing from Brunel University, London. I am a graduate of the 2014 Leadership Burbank class and a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. An active community volunteer, I am a member of the Burbank Human Relations Council, serve as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Burbank Temporary Aid Center (BTAC), and I am a proud supporter of many nonprofit organizations in Burbank. In 2020 I received an Honorary Service Award from the Burbank Council PTA, an award I am particularly proud of as this organization exemplifies servant leadership.
If elected to be your next City Clerk my top priorities will be continuing to provide excellent service to the residents of Burbank while introducing innovative ideas to increase voter participation. I will also work to encourage residents of diverse backgrounds to seek elected office and positions on City of Burbank boards and commissions, an effort I believe will pay great dividends and better reflect our city’s demographics. Additionally, I plan to partner with the Burbank Unified School District to present civics education modules to Burbank students to make the voting process more relevant and accessible for young people.
To learn more about me and find out how you can get involved in my campaign, please visit
www.ClarkforClerk2022.com
I would be honored to earn your support on November 8th.
Viviana Garzon
Dear Burbank Neighbor,
I would be honored to continue serving Burbank as your City Clerk. I have served the City for 20 years in various leadership capacities, including community outreach, staff development, and program administration. Burbank instilled my passion for public service and I am committed to serve our community.
I am a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and the City Clerk’s Association of California. I am currently working on my two-year Certified Municipal Clerk designation. I graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology & Public Affairs and from CSUN with a Master of Public Administration. I have effectively managed teams of 40+ City employees, implemented program policies, and executed youth programs with 350+ daily participants. I also supervised the daily operations of multiple facilities in Burbank.
As the Administrative Analyst II in the City Manager’s Office, I have an essential, active role in the City’s administration and legislative process. I work with the City Clerk’s Office Team daily and manage the City Council’s multi-step agenda process—ensuring the City Council’s decision-making process is thorough, transparent, and accessible to our residents. I have the knowledge and strong work ethic to jump right into the City Clerk role on day one.
I am committed to continuing the positive relationship the City Clerk’s Office has with the community. My top three goals for the office are to:
Provide exceptional customer service and be the conduit of information between the public and City Council. I will lead with integrity, strong work ethic, and foster trust with our community.
Maintain transparency in the City Council’s decision-making process, ensuring compliance with the law—protecting your right as a citizen.
Engage residents of diverse backgrounds and the youth population through a multi-partnership outreach campaign. Advocate for strong representation of all Burbank residents through increased participation in elections and Burbank’s Boards and Commissions. I am honored to have the endorsement of the current Burbank City Clerk Zizette Mullins, Mayor Jess A. Talamantes, Council Member Bob Frutos, Council Member Springer, City Treasurer Krystle Palmer, and former Burbank Mayors Emily Gabel-Luddy, Gary Bric, and Michael Hastings.
For more information about me and my goals for the City Clerk’s Office, please visit www.vivianaforcityclerk.com.
