ACA Congratulates Newly-Elected Pasadena Mayor

PASADENA – The Armenian Council of America (ACA) is pleased to announce the mayoral victory of Terry Tornek, the second citywide elected mayor in the city’s history.

Receiving 55 percent of the votes in the runoff election, Mayor-elect Tornek received 45 percent of the votes. He was first elected as a Councilmember in 2009 and then re-elected in 2013.

“We would like congratulate Mayor Tornek for his victorious win in Pasadena – a city that is home to thousands of Armenian-Americans,” said ACA Vice Chairman Jack Ajemian. “From the beginning of the race, we were impressed with his background, achievements and extensive track record of service within the community.  We are looking forward to working with him on various issues that are of concern to Pasadena residents and are excited about the prospects of discussing new ideas and projects.”

Mayor Tornek has lived in Pasadena since 1982, when he accepted the position of Planning Director. He was the author and leader of the City of Pasadena plan to transform and rehabilitate Old Pasadena, preserving almost 200 historical buildings, which form the historic downtown identity of Pasadena.

After leaving city government, Mr. Tornek built a career in real estate, as a developer and manager of residential and commercial properties. He remained active in Pasadena affairs, through his 20 year service as a Board Member of Pasadena Neighborhood Housing Services. In 2005, Mr. Tornek was appointed to the Pasadena Planning Commission. He also served as a member of the Design Commission.

Prior to his appointment as Mayor, Mr. Tornek served on the Municipal Services and Finance Committees. He is the City Council appointee to the Fire and Police Retirement Board, Pasadena’s representative to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and is Treasurer of the Burbank Airport Authority and has been deeply involved in the revisions to the General Plan and in advocacy to redirect the City’s planning and development decision-making process. He has also been pursuing efforts to restructure the City’s traffic management and water conservation practices.