Dr. Alex Balekian Confronts Council member Dan Brotman Over Divisive Rhetoric
Last night, Dr. Alex Balekian, a well-respected physician and candidate for California’s 30th Congressional District, took to the Glendale City Council meeting to directly challenge Council member Dan Brotman’s recent inflammatory remarks. In a powerful address, Dr. Balekian called out Brotman for his reckless rhetoric that labels concerned citizens as extremists and threatens the safety and unity of Glendale.
Divisive Words with Dangerous Consequences During the meeting, Dr. Balekian presented a Facebook post where Brotman had labeled him a “hateful extremist.” Such a baseless accusation goes beyond mere political banter—it's a dangerous tactic that has real-world consequences. As Dr. Balekian pointed out, these types of statements have already led to threats against him and his husband, including one from a Glendale resident known for past violence.
He posed a direct question to Brotman:
"What responsibility do you bear if one of your supporters, influenced by your words, commits an act of violence against me or my husband?"
It’s a question that strikes at the heart of the issue—how far are some willing to go to push their agenda, even at the cost of public safety?
A Commitment to Saving Lives, Not Playing Politics Dr. Balekian, who has spent his career as a practicing physician, emphasized his commitment to saving lives, no matter the person or their politics.
“If you, Dan, or a family member ever ended up in my ICU, I would do everything in my power to save your life,” Balekian stated. “Does that sound like the behavior of a hateful extremist?”
Balekian has a long track record of public service, having trained over 2,000 doctors at USC Medical School to save lives. His focus has always been on the well-being of his community, a stark contrast to the political gamesmanship displayed by Brotman. While Brotman seems eager to divide, Balekian remains dedicated to unity and public safety.
Challenging the Mischaracterization Brotman’s characterization of Dr. Balekian as an “anti-environmental extremist” is not only inaccurate but ignores the facts. What Dr. Balekian opposes isn’t bike lanes; it’s poorly executed plans that disrupt everyday life and compromise safety. He even suggested alternative routes for the bike lanes to minimize traffic disruption—a thoughtful, pragmatic approach that stands in stark contrast to Brotman’s divisive rhetoric.
A Call for Responsible Leadership Dr. Balekian called on Brotman to end the divisive tactics and start listening to the people of Glendale. “Stop labeling concerned citizens as extremists,” he urged. “Your rhetoric is not just irresponsible—it’s dangerous. While you spend your time stirring division, I am focused on ensuring public safety and saving lives.”
The choice for Glendale voters this November is clear: support leaders who prioritize safety and unity, or continue down a path of division and conflict. Dr. Alex Balekian represents a different kind of leadership—one that values common sense, community, and the well-being of all residents.
Make Your Voice Heard Glendale deserves better than reckless politics. Vote for Dr. Alex Balekian for California’s 30th Congressional District [view a map of the district here] on November 5, 2024, and support a leader committed to public safety and unity. Learn more about his campaign at alexforca30.com.
You can also watch the speech given by Dr. Balekian below.
