Why I Challenged Dan Brotman at the City Council Meeting

Last night, I stood before the Glendale City Council to address a troubling trend in our local government—reckless rhetoric and the dangerous labeling of concerned citizens. I want to share with you exactly why I confronted Council member Dan Brotman and why this fight is so important for our community's safety and unity.

Public Safety is My Priority I presented a public Facebook post made by Dan Brotman where he referred to me as a “hateful extremist.” This wasn’t just an attack on my character; it was a deliberate attempt to divide our community and incite fear. But words have consequences, especially when spoken by those in elected positions of power. In my speech, I shared two disturbing threats that have already been made against me and my husband—one from an anonymous account in West Hollywood and another from a Glendale resident with a history of physical violence.

I asked Dan directly: How do you justify calling me a hateful extremist? What responsibility do you bear if one of your supporters commits an act of violence against me or my husband? This isn’t about political posturing; it’s about the very real dangers that reckless words can provoke.

My Commitment to Saving Lives I’ve dedicated my life to saving others as a practicing physician at two Glendale hospitals. If Dan or a member of his family ever ended up on life support under my care, I would do my job. I would take that 2 AM call from the nurse and do everything in my power to save their life, regardless of their political beliefs. Does that sound hateful to you?

In my career, I’ve trained over 2,000 doctors to save lives. I spent 10 years at USC Keck Medical School teaching medical students, residents, and fellows how to do exactly that. This is who I am—a doctor committed to public safety and the well-being of all our residents. Can Dan Brotman say the same?

Clarifying the Misconceptions About Me Dan has also labeled me an “anti-environmental extremist,” a claim that couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m not against bike lanes; I’m against poorly executed plans that don’t serve our community’s best interests. I even suggested an alternative placement for the Brand bike lanes on quieter residential streets like Louise and Jackson. My opposition isn’t about ideology—it’s about practicality and safety for all Glendale residents.

Demanding an End to Dangerous Rhetoric I called on Dan Brotman to stop dividing our community and stop labeling concerned citizens as “hateful, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-environmental extremists.” This kind of language is not just irresponsible—it’s dangerous. It threatens public safety, my safety, and my husband’s safety.

A Vote for Public Safety I’m not a politician—I’m a physician. My mission is to “Do No Harm", heal, to protect, and to serve. I believe in people over politics, and I am committed to being a candidate of public safety and community unity, which is why I was able to secure the endorsement of LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. As we approach the November 5th election, I ask for your support to bring real leadership to Glendale.

Let’s stand together against dangerous rhetoric and for a safer, more united Glendale. Vote for me, Alex Balekian, MD, on November 5, 2024. Together, we can make a difference.

Call to Action: Join me in this fight for a safer Glendale. Visit alexforca30.com to learn more and to get involved. Your voice and your vote matter. Let's reclaim our city together.