As you know, I write a column every week that reflects on things going on in the valley generally or in my life specifically. I realize that these fall far short of Shakespearean prose, but my musings usually garner some sort of response from readers of the CV Weekly and I appreciate that. This week I was prepared to remind readers of this weekend’s Foothills Relay for Life – a 24-hour event at Clark Magnet High School that I plan to attend and am in the process of raising funds (www.foothillsrelayforlife.com -Team Prom Plus). Maybe also throw in some comments regarding being a mom and grandma on Mother’s Day.

But on Tuesday came the indictments against former Glendale City Councilman John Drayman and my focus, like that of so many of my neighbors, shifted.

Mary O’Keefe was in the courtroom as the charges were read against John, a lifelong fixture in the Glendale and foothills communities.

I’ve known John for years, first when I was a member of Prom Plus and I approached him when he sat on the board of the Montrose Shopping Park Assn. and I needed direction on how to establish the Taste of Montrose. As a reporter, then editor, at the Crescenta Valley Sun, the paper interviewed all the candidates running for Glendale City Council in 2007 and our paths crossed once again. John came across as a sincere candidate who was invested in the foothills. Alleluia! Finally a candidate who would be representing the Crescenta Valley.

Unfortunately, rumors of scandal began to collect around John and he lost his bid for re-election last year.

With the indictments handed down on Tuesday, I have no doubt that there are those in the community who feel vindicated, that their view of the former councilman has been validated. Then there are those who feel that the wagons should be circled around this man who used to give walking tours of Montrose.

I myself just feel sad. And I know that I feel the same as many – even some who had a hand in bringing charges against him.

It’s been suggested that the CV Weekly be “an advocate” for Drayman – after all, he is a “local” guy. As the publisher of the CV Weekly, I stand firmly in stating that is not the role of this paper. Regardless whether or not I think that John Drayman is guilty or innocent of any charge levied against him, the role of the CV Weekly remains as a provider of unbiased factual information delivered to our readers.

I’m fortunate – readers of the CV Weekly are an educated group who can make up their own minds, given the facts. And that is what we strive to do here.

So, as the drama of John Drayman unfolds, remain confident that you can go online to www.cvweekly.com or read the Thursday edition to find out what is happening – not only to John Drayman but also about anything that affects our community.

And that is what we here at the CV Weekly have been entrusted with – getting that information to you.

  robin goldsworthy