State’s largest nursing organization throws full weigh behind community-backed candidate
VALLEY GLEN – The California Nurses Association, the largest consortium of nurses in the state, endorsed City Council candidate Paul Krekorian, another example of the widespread support he has garnered that includes backing from environmental, public safety and community groups.
“I am proud to have stood up for healthcare reform and improved access for patients throughout California, and am delighted to have that record now be recognized by our most important nursing organization in the state,” Krekorian said. “With the CNA at my side, we can now collectively work toward maintaining the high level of care given at our hospitals and medical clinics throughout the Valley, while standing up for the workers who ensure that those centers continue their life saving role in our community.”
Krekorian has been a champion of healthcare reform since his election in 2006. He is the author of the historic Assembly Bill 1894, signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2008, in which California became the first state in the nation to require health insurers to cover routine HIV screenings. Krekorian has been endorsed by the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, the United Firefighters of Los Angeles and dozens of grassroots, neighborhood council advocates. The Special Election is set for Sept. 22.
“It is clear to us – from both his experience and his support – that Paul will be the best representative for the Valley,” said Jill Furillo, CAN’s Southern California director. “We believe that Paul will do an excellent job in representing the Valley on health, labor and women’s issues to increase the standard of living for Registered Nurses and all residents throughout Los Angeles.”
The California Nurses Association, and its national arm, the National Nurses Organizing Committee, is one of the nation’s premiere nurses’ organizations and health care unions. One of the fastest growing health care organizations in the U.S., CNA/NNOC presently has 86,000 members in 50 states, representing nurses at scores of hospitals, clinics, and home health agencies. Since 2000, over 19,000 RNs at 50 hospitals have elected to affiliate with CNA.
Two prominent Democratic groups, the San Fernando Valley Young Democrats and the Young Latino Democrats of the San Fernando Valley, also endorsed Krekorian this week, signaling clear Democratic support for the City Council candidate whose grassroots support includes more than 70 community activists, organizations and Democratic groups throughout Los Angeles.
“I am excited to work with the Valley’s young Democrats – and all of our residents – to increase voter participation and ensure that everyone has a voice,” Krekorian said. “To be supported by so many divergent groups in our community shows that this is the true grassroots movement to change Los Angeles and make it work so we can all have safer neighborhoods, more stringent protections for open space and responsive representation.”
Krekorian’s endorsements include: The Los Angeles County Democrat Party, the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley and members of neighborhood councils in Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Valey Glen, Van Nuys, Laurel Grove, Sunland-Tujuna and North Hollywood. He is also backed the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club, United Firefighters of Los Angeles City and others.
“We are proud to unanimously endorse Paul for City Council, a candidate we know will best represent residents throughout his district with an unparalleled sense of responsibility and integrity,” said Greg Girvan, president of the San Fernando Valley Young Democrats. “He has already compiled an impressive record in standing up for the environment, open space and public safety – in addition to maintaining a very high level of constituent services. I have the utmost in confidence that his record will translate to action and representation in City Hall for the people of the San Fernando Valley.”
“Paul Krekorian’s extensive experience in working on the issues directly impacting the San Fernando Valley constituents demonstrate his ability and dedication to improve our community’s current deficiencies,” said Jose Sandoval, president of the Young Latino Democrats of the San Fernando Valley. “Krekorian’s work in the fields of education, mentorship programs for at-risk youth and energy conservation programs emphasize his capability and reliability in assuring the community that he will take us to the next level of social security and expansion.”
