By Mary O’KEEFE

Crescenta Valley knows Sgt. Burton Brink as the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. community officer from the CV Station, but in Arcadia he is Candidate Brink, facing a new and different challenge.

Brink has a history in Arcadia. He grew up there, his mother served on the city’s planning commission and he now lives in the home she designed.

“I learned to give back to my community,” he said of his family’s influence on his decision to run for office.

He had thought about running for Arcadia City Council and when three council seats became open, he knew this was his time.

Brink has praise for the city and how its council has managed issues like mansionization.

Arcadia has five homeowners associations, each with an Architectural Review Board. Brink said this has been an effective way to hold back and, in some cases, change proposed developments that do not match the quality of life desired by local residents.

Brink also wants to revitalize all areas of the city, including the downtown area, and help small business thrive.

“We want to do what is in the best interests of the residents,” he said.

Brink also wants to ensure that Arcadia continues to be a safe place for families. His background in law enforcement helps him understand the importance of community outreach and being ever vigilant regarding crime trends, but he also has another advantage: design.

His mother Caroline and her twin sister Marilyn were the first two women to graduate from the University of Southern California School of Architecture.

“They also graduated first and second in their class,” he said.

Who was first is a family issue best left to history. His aunt went on to teach, his mother worked as an architect.

“I now live in the house I grew up in, the house she designed,” he said.

Brink loves his community, knows it well and is on the board of charitable organizations; however, this is the first time he has had to campaign for office.

He is grateful that all the candidates get along and are respectful to each other. He has received several endorsements including Peter Amundson, former Arcadia mayor, the Arcadia Police Officers Assoc., Los Angeles Professional Peace Officers Assoc. and L.A. County Supervisor Michael Antonovich.

Five candidates are vying for three city council seats. The other candidates are Tom Beck, Roger Chandler, Sho Tay and Paul E. Van Fleet.

Ballots have already begun to be cast with mail-in ballots being sent out this month. The final tally will be on April 8.

  Mary Okeefe