RAMANI AND GATTO SEEK ANCA-WR ENDORSEMENT

Asbarez
Thursday, May 13th, 2010
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.

Local ANCA representatives with Ramani (center) 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 43rd Assembly District," stated Leonard Manoukian,
Co-Chair of the ANCA 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.

Local ANCA representatives with Gatto (center), joined by Assembly
Member de Leon (second from right) "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 expressed interest 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.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress