ANCA-WR community pleased with CA Assembly and Senate election results
armradio.am
08.11.2008 11:55
The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR)
congratulates all reelected and newly elected members of California’s
State Assembly and Senate. With several dozen supporters returning and
many friends new to the legislature heading to Sacramento next month,
ANCA-WR community advocates throughout the state look forward to
working swiftly with its state representatives as the new legislative
cycle begins.
From the southern California and San Joaquin Valley, outspoken friends
returning to the capital next month include Assembly Members Anthony
Portantino, Mike Feuer, Kevin de Leon, Van Tran, Mary Salas, Mike
Villines as well as newly elected State Senator Mimi Walters. Joining
them in Sacramento will be newly elected Assembly Member Bob
Blumenfield who will be replacing the termed-out Lloyd Levine
representing the west San Fernando Valley.
Assembly Member Paul Krekorian returns to Sacramento next month
representing part of Los Angeles along with Burbank and Glendale as one
of two Armenian Americans in the legislature. He is joined by Senator
Joe Simitian who won his re-election bid to represent San Mateo, Santa
Clara and Santa Cruz.
"We are proud to see Assembly Member Krekorian continue his service to
our district and state," noted Garen Yegparian, a Burbank resident and
activist with the local ANCA. "Since being elected in 2006, he has
taken on strong leadership roles within the major committees of the
Assembly while driving legislation that improves the quality of life
for all Californians ` especially with regard to schools and the
environment," he added.
Returning to the state capital next month with Krekorian is former
Assembly Member Carol Liu who won her race to succeed Senator Jack
Scott who completes his eight-year service in the Senate this year.
"Senator Scott was a true leader on human rights. He served as a
distinguished member of the state’s upper house and helped build strong
relationships between Armenia and California. We wish him well as
returns to academia as the Chancellor of the state’s community college
system," remarked Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian, ANCA-WR Board Member. "We
look forward to continuing to address these issues with another
long-time friend of the Armenian American community, Senator-elect
Carol Liu, as she prepares to carry the torch passed on by Senator
Scott," she added.
California State Assembly Speaker Karen Bass retained her seat and will
continue to lead the chamber in the next cycle. The ANCA-WR joined the
speaker this past June for her inauguration ceremonies where she
reiterated her support for greater education about the Armenian
Genocide and growing the engagement Californian Armenians in public
service.
In northern California, the ANCA-WR community welcomed the Election Day
results as well.
"We are excited to see Assembly Members Huffman and Ma heading back to
the capital as well as Mark Leno as he moves from the Assembly to the
Senate," said Matt Senekeremian, local director of the San Francisco
Bay Area ANCA who says a top priority is to connect more Armenian
Americans in the area with their representatives both in district and
in Sacramento. "We have worked with San Francisco Supervisor Tom
Ammiano for the past fifteen years and look forward to continuing to do
so as he moves onto the state legislature," he added.
Over 99% of ANCA endorsed candidates for California Senate and Assembly
seats won their Election Day bids. The new legislature will be sworn in
on December 1, 2008 in Sacramento.
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.