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 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.
“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.
