Armenian National Committee of South Bay
c/o Christopher Yemenidjian, Chair
Gardena, CA 90249
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
July 21, 2007
Contact: Christopher Yemenidjian
Email: [email protected]
Richardson Pledges Cosponsorship Support of
Armenian Genocide Resolution
— Assemblymember Shall Cosponsor Bill If Elected to Congress in August
Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian National Committee – Western Region has
learned that California State Assemblymember Laura Richardson (D-55),
Democratic Party Candidate for the 37th Congressional District of
California, has agreed to cosponsor the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.
Res. 106) if elected to Congress. Richardson is currently vying to
represent the 37th District in a Special Election.
"If elected to Congress, I will be proud to add my name to the long and
distinguished list of H. Res. 106 cosponsors," said Richardson. "We need to
formally recognize this unfortunate chapter of history, so as to prevent any
future genocides and promote regional stability," she added.
Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald, a strong supporter of issues of
concern to Armenian Americans and a cosponsor of H. Res. 106, represented
the 37th Congressional District of California until her passing on April 22,
2007. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, acting under California
law, then announced a special election date to fill the vacant seat.
Richardson succeeded in the June 26, 2007 primary, besting California State
Senator Jenny Oropeza. Because no candidate received 50% of the vote, the
Special Election will continue to a run-off on August 21, 2007. The other
candidates facing Richardson are John M. Kanaley (R), Herb Peters (L), and
Daniel Brezenoff (G).
On July 2, 2007, the Armenian National Committee of South Bay (South Bay
ANC) sent Richardson a letter congratulating Richardson on her primary
victory and expressing confidence that Richardson would carry on the great
work of her predecessor. The South Bay ANC also expressed its hope that its
strong tradition of maintaining close ties between the local active Armenian
American community and elected officials would continue. Particularly, the
South Bay ANC requested that Richardson cosponsor H. Res. 106 upon her
election to Congress.
"Our community in the 37th district is deeply appreciative that we have yet
another friend in Los Angeles County," stated South Bay ANC representative
Chris Yemenidjian. "With the Assemblymember’s agreement to cosponsor – that
would mean that every Member of Congress from Los Angeles County now
cosponsors H. Res. 106," he added.
Richardson began her legislative career in 2000 on the Long Beach City
Council. She also joined the staff of Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante in
2001 and served as his Southern California Director for 5 years. In 2006,
Richardson was elected to represent the 55th State Assembly District which
includes the cities of Carson, Harbor City, Lakewood, Long Beach and
Wilmington.
Richardson has continued to demonstrate significant leadership by initiating
and supporting legislative and administrative actions that enhance vitality
and livability for those she serves. She has garnered the respect of her
peers and others because of diligence and thoroughness. Richardson is not
afraid to stand alone on issues that impact the disenfranchised. But in
doing so, she has always ensured that her positions focus on the values of
fairness and integrity.
Assemblymember Richardson earned her Bachelor Degree in Political Science
from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1984. In 1987, she joined
Xerox Corporation where she gained significant business experience in a
Fortune 40 company. Richardson received her Masters Degree in Business
Administration in 1996 from the University of Southern California. She
considers her studies abroad in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai as critical
learning experiences.
The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most
influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in
coordination with a network of offices, chapters and supporters throughout
the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA
actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad
range of issues.