Councilman Zarian to Leave After Term

Larry Zarian, who served 16 years on the City Council, including four one-year terms as mayor, has announced he is stepping down when his term ends in April to host a radio show.

Zarian is the second veteran Glendale political figure to make such an announcement in a month.

“This has been an experience I will never forget. I am extremely honored to have served the community,” Zarian said Tuesday, but “having a talk show is a dream come true.”

Zarian will host his politically oriented radio program weeknights from 7 to 8 p.m. on KIEV at 870 AM. He has been hosting the same show on Saturday nights for 15 years, but he said he could not move to a week night slot without giving up his council work.

The show’s content will center on state and local politics, with some discussion of national issues.

With his experience as former chairman and current member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, as well as holding seats on the Metrolink board and the state Commission on Governance for the 21st Century, Zarian said he would be able to objectively gauge “the deficiencies and some of the virtues of government.”

Zarian’s departure leaves two council seats open in April’s elections. Last month, Mayor Eileen Givens, who has served on the council eight years, announced she was stepping down when her term ends, to spend time with her family.

During his tenure, Zarian concentrated on issues such as hillside preservation, local freeway funding and building code enforcement.

Zarian said he will remain active in local politics, but at least one of his colleagues said his absence on the council would leave a void.

“It will alter things no matter who gets elected and no matter what their philosophy of government,” said fellow council member Ginger Bremberg. “Nobody will have his style of governing. He’s unique and an enthusiastic cheerleader for Glendale.”