Newly elected City Councilman Zareh Sinanyan, seen here as a candidate, defends his character at a meeting in March. (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Glendale News-Press / April 18, 2013) |
The hoopla over hateful online comments that were attributed to — and never denied by — newly minted Glendale Councilman Zareh Sinanyan was revived at his first meeting on Tuesday with the help of someone who knows a thing or two about the power and influence of the Internet.
Last month, Sinanyan lost multiple high-profile endorsements, including U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) and both Los Angeles mayoral runoff candidates, after dozens of vulgar and threatening comments posted under his name on YouTube, Facebook and other websites came to light, theGlendale News-Press reported.
Sinanyan never specifically denied being the author of the disparaging comments — which mostly referred to Armenia’s geopolitical enemies, but also to gays, Muslims and women — saying only that they do not reflect his character.
Sarah Aujero, the woman who created a Twitter account for Meatball, the famed black bear that repeatedly visited Glendale neighborhoods to snack on household garbage, addressed the issue with a handful of other speakers at the council meeting Tuesday. She said she was disgusted by the comments and condemned Sinanyan for skirting the issue.
“If anyone is accused of something this heinous they would work tirelessly to clear their good name or give a clear denial, or if they had done it, had the courage to own up to the actions or provide an apology,” said Aujero, whose popular Twitter account, at roughly 32,000 followers strong, played a role in saving Meatball’s life.
“Please take it from me, the voice of Meatball, the Glendale bear,” she said, “online comments can have a powerful effect on the community and that can sometimes linger like the smell of garbage on a hot summer day.”
With a furrowed brow, Sinanyan remained tight-lipped during the heated proceeding.
“My actions will speak for themselves,” he said afterward, refusing to confirm or deny his connection to the comments.
The YouTube comments, which have since been deleted, led back to a profile under the user name “gazanutyun.” But at one point Sinanyan's full name was listed in the profile, according to a Google feature that captures historical snapshots of Web pages.
In addition to the political heat he felt on the campaign trail, Sinanyan for a time appeared at risk of losing his seat on a city commission, but the City Council proposal failed after his public reckoning in council chambers just weeks before the election.
Despite what he called a “smear campaign,” Sinanyan came in third after the votes were counted, ensuring his seat on the dais.
Sam Manoukian, a Sinanyan supporter, called the criticisms “cheap shots.”
But Zehra Siddqui, a Glendale High School freshman, said: "It’s important for these so-called role models to take responsibility for their actions, whether good or bad."
ALSO: