DOWNEY–Calif.–Kirk Cartozian has announced his plans to run for Downey City Council. Downey–a suburb of Los Angeles–is where Cartozian was raised and educated. He attended Gallatin Elementary–East Middle–and Downey High School. He attended UC Berkeley from 1991 through 1995–and after returning to Downey–he became a teacher at Downey High School. Now 27 years old–Cartozian plans on running for United States Congress after proving himself at this first level.
While attending UC Berkeley–Cartozian’s political spirit was stimulated. He was active in the Armenian Students’ Association–and he was a student in Professor Richard Hovannisian’s Armenian History course. He has also served as a counselor at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church Camp in Dunlap–California for three years. Now as a teacher of United States and World History–he incorporates lessons about the Armenian Genocide of 1915 into the curriculum. Cartozian has also been inspired by his great-uncle–Tateos Cartozian–whose fight for US citizenship allowed Armenia’s to be recognized as part of the ‘white’ race–thus making them eligible for citizenship.
As a lifelong resident of Downey–Cartozian cares tremendously for the city. He has worked for Congressman Steve Horn’s (R-Calif. 38th District–Long Beach and Downey) office in Washington–DC–and has volunteered at the Office of the Registrar on election nights. This experience will be invaluable to him as a member of Downey’s City Council.
Entering the 21st century–Downey needs a voice that ties together its rich and traditional past to its bright future. If elected–Cartozian will work to revitalize the downtown area and initiate a business incentive program. He will place a special focus on the arts and culture through the school district–Downey Theatre–and Museum of Art. He pledges to work for the prudent management of Downey’s tax dollars to ensure the city’s fiscal responsibility. He will promote programs to better meet the needs of senior citizens.
As a Councilman–Kirk Cartozian will provide a fresh perspective to make Downey as great as possible. He has no allegiance to any factions or organizations in the city–and–as his colleagues and students will affirm–he has a deep respect for all people. He will strive to represent all the citizens of Downey and promises that their voice will be heard as he interprets the best direction for the community of Downey to take.
Compared to some of his competitors–however–Cartozian is somewhat limited in funding. Consultants have estimated that he will need somewhere between $20,000-30,000 in order to manage a successful campaign. This is his first attempt at politics and is a completely grassroots campaign.
Contributions can be made in check to: Cartozian for City Council: 8067 Florence Avenue–Downey–CA 90240; or via telephone and fax at (562) 928-0031 and (562) 928-0053 fax.