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.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
