BY ARA KHACHATOURIAN
GLENDALE–State Assemblyman Scott Wildman (D) Wednesday announced his candidacy for the 21st State Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Adam Schiff–who is running for Congress. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Brandview Collection–attended by dozens of constituents and community leaders–including representatives of the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region.
"I’m going to run for the State Senate in 2000," announced Wildman to the cheers and standing ovation of his supporters. "The senate run is clearly the direction I need to take at the present."
Wildman outlined some of the issues for which he has advocated during his public service and the years in the State Assembly. Those areas include education reform–environmental protection and making California a better place to live.
Wildman was introduced by his district director Will Heron–who following Wildman’s presentation invited supporters to express their thoughts on the Wildman candidacy.
First to speak was Glendale City Councilman Rafi Manoukian–who praised Wildman’s record as a representative and his accomplishmen’s in the district.
"I intend to support Scott Wildman for the 21st Senate District," announced Manoukian.
One by one–community organization representatives were invited and some announced endorsemen’s for Wildman’s campaign.
"Scott Wildman is that rare elected official–who constantly strives to address the concerns of his constituents not based upon election-year politics–but rather a genuine interest in serving his community," said Vicken Sonentz-Papazian–Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region.
Wildman–a teacher and small business owner prior to his election to the State Assembly in 1996–is known for his leadership in combating government waste and mismanagement. Wildman is also recognized for his support of Armenian-American issues such as advocating for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
In April–Wildman’sponsored legislation–which was subsequently signed by Gov. Gray Davis–to update and implement the curriculum of Human Rights and Genocide in state public schools and to include a question about the Armenian Genocide is state standardized tests for high school students.
Wildman was born in San Diego and grew up in Claremont–Calif. He received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Colorado and his teacher certification at California State University–Hayward. Wildman and his wife–Arlene live in Los Feliz. They have five children and seven grandchildren.
The 21st State Senate district includes the communities of Burbank–Glendale–Los Angeles–Pasadena–South Pasadena–Altadena–La Canada-Flintridge–San Marino and Temple City.
