BURBANK, CA--In what was described by one attendee as, "the largest kick-off in Burbank this campaign season," over 75 people helped launch Garen Yegparian's Burbank City Council campaign on Saturday, in anticipation of the February 24, 2009 Burbank Primary Election.

The event was held at the Burbank home of Lynne & David Gerred, where Assemblyman Paul Krekorian introduced Yegparian as Burbank residents, elected officials, and appointed Board and Commission members looked on.

"Garen Yegparian is the kind of person who has the background and experience to ask the right questions as a councilman," Assemblyman Paul Krekorian said. "And, in these tough economic times, we need that kind of person representing us on the Burbank City Council."

Krekorian, is a Burbank resident and served on the Burbank School Board before being elected to serve Burbankians in Sacramento. Two of Krekorian's former colleagues, were also in attendance, Burbank School Board Memebers Dave Kemp and Larry Applebaum.

Other notables at the "Garen for Council Kick-Off", included: Former Burbank City Councilmember Tim Murphy, Burbank Police Commissioner Hagop Hergelian, Burbank Library Board Member Lee Paysinger, Burbank Civic Pride Committee Member Robert Idavia, Burbank Art-in-Public-Places Committee Member Alice Asmar, Burbank Child Care Committee Member Armineh Hacobian, BWP Commissioner Bob Olson, Landlord-Tentant Commissioner Molly Shore, Burbank Verterns Commemorative Committee Member Mickey DePalo, Sierra Club leader Delphine Trowbridge, Los Angeles Environmental Affairs Commissioner Maria Armoudian , Board of Trustees Member Dr. Hagop Der Mgrdichian of St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church, and South Pasadena Councilmember Michael A. Cacciotti.

"We had a great kick-off today! The size and diversity of today's crowd indicates the broad range of support that I have in my run for City Council," Yegparian said. "I will have an open-door policy and will listen to all segments of our City.”

"I look forward to working with and representing all of the people of Burbank," he added.

The Burbank Election is conducted by all-mail ballots. Every registered voter in Burbank will receive a ballot the first week of February and must return it by February 24, the day the votes are counted.