03-29-09, Letter by Aram Kazazian that the Glendale News-Press Refused to Publish Regarding Criticism of Kazazian by Ann Crusesegal

March 29, 2009

372 Arden Avenue Ave

Glendale, CA 91203

Editor

Glendale News-Press

In the Saturday, March 28 edition of your newspaper there was a letter questioning my qualifications to serve on the City Council. I welcome the opportunity to respond to that letter.

First, concern regarding the construction of the El Tovar property and my association with it is a legitimate subject for discussion. For the record, here is my involvement with the property.

In 1976 I purchased a 59,000 square foot lot. At the time of purchase it was my intention to subdivide the property and build three homes, as I am a licensed architect and builder.

It was not until 1981 that I changed my mind and decided to a build a single-family residence for my family and myself on the property. At that time, my family consisted of my wife, our children, my mother, my mother-in-law, and myself.

I envisioned that the house would serve not only as a residence but also as a center for family activities and business entertaining. In 1981 my wife passed away and I put off any thoughts of construction to take care of my family.

By 1988 I decided to proceed with the construction, and submitted plans for an 8,300 square foot home, which was approved by the Planning Department on 9-29-89. I then submitted an application for an additional 2,100 square feet, which was also approved 1-15-91, for which I have a file stamped copy of the approved, modified plans.

In 1991 my family and I moved into the home, after the City of Glendale had performed a final inspection and issued an occupancy permit.

As your readers will recall, in the early 1990's Southern California was experiencing a severe real estate recession. In 1992 the original construction loan became due, and the original lender refused to provide permanent financing, or to accept alternate financing which I had arranged. As a result, in 1993 the lender foreclosed and I lost the property.

Up to the time of foreclosure all construction was done in accordance with approved plans and permits, and zoning codes in effect at that time. Once the lender assumed title to the property I was no longer involved.

The lender was not happy with the property decor and retained a contractor from Fresno to make changes. The contractor spent over $4.0 million on the property, and added 3,000 square feet, which, to the best of my knowledge, was done without a permit or approved plans. However, whatever happened after the bank took possession was not my responsibility, but rather the responsibility of the bank and their contractor. The subsequent history of the property, alluded to by the writer, resulted from this conduct by the Bank and its contractor, not any conduct of mine.

In my 35 years as an architect-builder I have been involved with the design and construction of over 429 properties including apartments, commercial properties and single-family residences. There have never been any claims of permit or code violations or any complaints regarding the construction quality. Should anyone choose to challenge this statement I urge him or her to submit proof and not make unfounded allegations.

The letter writer also criticizes me for spending funds for newspaper advertising, political mailers and lawn signs. The unfortunate reality of running for City Council in Glendale is that it costs tens of thousands of dollars. How can one be expected to launch a successful campaign and compete with incumbents who start with war chests and during the course of the campaign receive additional monetary and non-monetary contributions from special interests?

I have refused special interest contributions. If anyone is seriously concerned about the cost of running for City Council I encourage them to go to the City Clerks web site, view the list of contributors for each candidate; and ask themselves what the special interests who have contributed to other candidates expect in return for their contributions.

Aram Kazazian