If you received thousands of dollars from a political donor,

would your moral compass allow you to participate in city contract negotiations involving that donor? Or would your conscience tell you to sit it out?‍ ‍

Elen Asatryan did not sit this one out…

Elen Asatryan’s Unethical Pay-to-Play Timeline with evidence

Jun 1 2023: Elen introduces Erik Khojoyan, a restaurant owner, to Glendale’s Director of Community Services

Jun 14 2023: Khojoyan tours the Glendale Civic Auditorium as its management contract is set to expire.

Jun 28 2023: Elen holds a campaign fundraiser at Khojoyan’s restaurant, and he makes an in-kind donation of $4800.

Dec 5 2023: Glendale City Manager asks for an official meeting with Khojoyan and city staff.

Jan 2024: The first official meeting occurs between Khojoyan and Glendale city staff.

May 2024 to Nov 2024: Mayor Elen presides over SIX closed-door contract negotiations, and her hand-picked city representative negotiator is friendly with her donor.

Dec 3 2024: Mayor Elen schedules a vote at a 3pm Special City Council meeting rather than at the usual 6pm General Countil meeting. Instead of recusing herself, she casts the deciding vote in a 3-2 decision to advance the Civic Auditorium contract as an exclusive negotiating agreement with her donor.