Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Tel: (818) 500-1918
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Tamar Baboujian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
E-Mail: tamar@anca.org
RAMANI AND GATTO SEEK ANCA-WR ENDORSEMENT
GLENDALE, CA—As the June 8th runoff Special Election for the 43rd Assembly
District approaches, candidates Sunder Ramani (Republican) and Mike Gatto
(Democrat) met with the Armenian National Committee of America-Western
Region (ANCA-WR) to request the organization’s endorsement.
"We had cordial and candid discussions with both candidates about general
and specific issues of concern to the Armenian National Committee of America
and residents of the 43rd Assembly District," stated ANCA-WR representative
Stepan Boyajian.
Both meetings took place with local ANCA representatives from Glendale,
Hollywood, North Hollywood, Burbank and Crescenta Valley regions. Ramani
discussed his agenda for the State and the 43rd district, which included
concerns about overregulation, unemployment and education. He also
discussed a similar background with Armenians, having come from an immigrant
family, and having been a small business owner for most of his life. Ramani
stressed his familiarity with the community, having lived and worked in the
43rd Assembly District for many years.
"It was a pleasure to meet with Mr. Ramani and discuss issues of concern to
the 43rdAssembly District," stated Leonard Manoukian, Co-Chair of theANCA
Glendale Chapter. "The fact that Mr. Ramani has worked in this community
for 20 plus years, is a small businessman, and a first generation immigrant
should afford him an acute understanding of the needs of this district in
general and the Armenian community in particular."
Gatto, accompanied by California State Assembly Member Kevin de Leon (D-45),
also met with members of the local ANCA leadership. Gatto stated that he
wants to be a strong voice in Sacramento on issues of concern to the
Armenian community. He has been meeting with Armenian-American residents
and business owners to hear their views and concerns.
Gatto pointed to his experience as the District Director for Congressman
Brad Sherman, one of the leading proponents on issues relating to the
Armenian Genocide and Armenia.
"Mr. Gatto was genuinely interested in developing better relations with the
Armenian community and working closely with the community on finding
solutions to issues affecting businesses, seniors, families, and recent
immigrants," remarked Romina Der Bedrossian, a representative from the ANCA
Crescenta Valley Chapter.
The candidates stressed the high value in receiving support from Armenian
American constituents and expressedinterest in collaborating on a number of
issues that affect the district.
The candidates have agreed to participate in a Candidates Forum Town Hall to
be televised on Horizon TV and other local Armenian Cable channels. The
date and time of the Candidates Forum has not been finalized.
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and
most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the
Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated
organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the
Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.