On Monday, February 19, the Armenian National Committee of America Pasadena Chapter officially announced its endorsement of Rick Cole for the Pasadena City Council District 2 seat in the upcoming March 2024 Primary Election.
“Rick has had a longstanding appreciation, friendship, and understanding of what it is to be an Armenian in Pasadena, the issues that concern the Armenian American community in his district and the City, and with a keen approach on how to improve on those issues,” said ANCA Pasadena Chapter Board Member, Marisa Sarian.
Cole thanked the Committee for the endorsement.
“My life has long been enriched by my Armenian-American friends, neighbors, and colleagues, starting with my first job as the dishwasher for Kabakian’s restaurant when I was a student at Blair High,” said Cole.
“Armenian Americans have long made an incalculable cultural, economic, and civic contribution to our community, built on the values I share: faith, family, country, opportunity, and hard work. I also draw inspiration from the resilience of a 3,000-year-old history of thriving in the face of challenge and adversity. It is a privilege to have the support of the Armenian National Committee of America’s Pasadena Chapter—an honor I hope to vindicate over the next four years of working together.”
Deeply rooted in Pasadena as a native and lifelong resident, Cole brings a wealth of experience and a track record from his extensive career in public service, ANCA Pasadena said.
He has occupied key roles across several California cities, serving as a Councilmember and Mayor of Pasadena, Deputy Mayor for the City of Los Angeles, and as City Manager for Azusa, Ventura, and Santa Monica.
He is currently Chief Deputy Controller for the City of Los Angeles.
“Considering his diverse and distinguished professional background, ANCA-Pasadena proudly endorses Rick Cole for Pasadena City Council District 2 in the upcoming Primary Election on March 5th, 2024,” the ANCA press release said.
The statement also described the Armenian National Committee of America – Pasadena Chapter as the oldest, largest, and most influential nonpartisan Armenian American grassroots organization of its kind within the City of Pasadena.