Adrin Nazarian: A New Voice on the Los Angeles City Council
1. Nazarian May Be Replacing His Former Boss, but He’s Bringing His Own Unique Experiences to the Table
Adrin Nazarian, the newly elected Los Angeles City Council member for the 2nd District, is no stranger to politics. He twice worked for his former boss, Paul Krekorian, first as chief of staff in the Assembly and then again when Krekorian joined the City Council. However, Nazarian is eager to draw from his own experiences as a representative for the San Fernando Valley.
2. From Law School to Politics
Nazarian’s family fled Iran during the Armenian genocide and Bolshevik Revolution, and his grandmother spent five years in a Siberian work camp. He initially planned to attend law school, but his involvement in politics led him to put his law school plans on hold. Nazarian interned and worked as a staffer for several elected officials, including Rep. Howard Berman, Rep. Brad Sherman, Gov. Gray Davis, and L.A. City Councilmember Tom LaBonge, before eventually being elected to the state Assembly in 2012.
3. Priorities: Constituent Services and Public Safety
Nazarian’s immediate priorities are maintaining basic "constituent services" and public safety. He emphasizes the importance of responding to constituents’ concerns and addressing quality-of-life issues such as trash pickup, street cleanliness, and public safety. He also highlights the need to address homelessness and ensure that street lights remain on to deter criminal activity.
4. Long-Term Goals: Housing, Transportation, and Environmental Issues
Nazarian’s long-term goals include addressing housing affordability, transportation, and environmental issues. He believes that not enough new housing units have been built to meet demand, contributing to rising costs, and that a lack of good public transportation options makes it challenging for people to live in Los Angeles. He is also committed to addressing L.A.’s water infrastructure, ensuring safe drinking water, and improving air quality.
5. Committee Assignments
Nazarian has been assigned to six committees in his first year on the City Council, including chairing the Energy and Environment Committee and serving as vice chair of the Civil Rights, Equity, Immigration, Aging, and Disability Committee. He is also a member of the Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Enrichment, Economic Development and Jobs, Housing and Homelessness, and Planning and Land Use Management committees.
Conclusion
Adrin Nazarian is a new voice on the Los Angeles City Council, bringing a unique set of experiences and perspectives to the table. As a representative for the 2nd District, he is committed to serving his constituents and addressing the challenges facing the San Fernando Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are your priorities as a new councilmember?
A: Maintaining basic constituent services and public safety are my top priorities.
Q: What are your long-term goals?
A: Addressing housing affordability, transportation, and environmental issues are key areas of focus.
Q: How do you plan to achieve these goals?
A: Through committee work, building coalitions, and engaging with the community.
Q: How do you hope to make a difference in the San Fernando Valley?
A: By being a strong advocate for my constituents and working to address the region’s specific challenges.
