SAN FRANCISCO–The Bay Area Armenian National Committee hosted a reception for California State Assembly candidate from Fresno–Steve Samuelian at the Hillsborough home of Mr. and Mrs. Garbis and Maida Bezdjian. The successful event–which also included remarks by ARF Bureau member Garo Armenian–raised funds for the Samuelian campaign–and gave Bay Area Armenian-Americans a chance to hear from the candidate personally.
"I’m very grateful to be here with the Bay Area ANC," said Samuelian. "It has been a strong supporter of my campaign since day one." Samuelian spoke about the need for Armenian-Americans to join him in entering politics. "It’s very important that young Armenian-Americans be actively engaged in the political process–as candidates–as interns," he said–emphasizing the gains that will be achieved when Armenia’s work as members of lawmaking bodies.
Samuelian has been involved in politicsfor over twenty years–and has been a long-time advocate of Hai Tahd–serving on the ANC Central California Board of Directors. During his work as District Director for Congressman George Radanovich–Samuelian took the lead role in building the Congressman’s exemplary record of achievement on Armenian-American issues in the House of Representatives. In addition to working on Armenian Genocide recognition–increasing aid to Armenia and restricting aid to Azerbaijan–Samuelian worked with Rep. Radanovich to craft successful legislation to cut aid to Turkey until it recognizes the Armenian Genocide.
Samuelian has also recently announced that he has been endorsed by several local business leaders–including Fresno Chamber of Commerce CEO Stebbins Dean–incoming Fresno Chamber of Commerce President Larry Johanson–Fresno Chamber of Commerce Immediate Past-President Paul Besselievre–Chairman of Johanson Transportation Services Dick Johanson–President of Wilson Homes Leo Wilson–President of Paper–Pulp & Film Tal Cloud–President of Lyles Diversified Bill Lyles–President of the Software Division at MCIC Mike Conner–Attorney at Law Emory Wishon–and President of Wathen-Castanos Inc. Kevin Castanos. During the primary–these business leaders backed Samuelian’s opponent–but have since placed their strong support behind Samuelian. "Steve will be a strong advocate for businesses in the Greater Fresno Area. I am glad to throw my support behind Steve," said incoming Fresno Chamber of Commerce President Larry Johanson.
The California Organization of Police and Sheriffs (COPS) also announced that they have officially endorsed Samuelian.
"On behalf of COPS–we are pleased to endorse your candidacy for the office of 29th State Assembly District. We look forward to working with you to help build California’s future. We are proud to be a supporter of your effort," said COPS President Ed Gray in a letter sent to Samuelian.
COPS is celebrating 27 years of service in law enforcement. COPS represents thousands of police–deputy sheriffs–and other public safety officers throughout California. Their efforts include properly training front line officers in fighting terrorism–putting criminals behind bars–finding solutions to reduce youth violence–and protecting our families and neighborhoods.
"I am grateful to have the endorsement of the California Organization of Police and Sheriffs. Law enforcement will be one of my top priorities when I am in the Assembly," said Samuelian.
This endorsement adds to Samuelian’s long list of law enforcement support–including the Fresno Police Officers Association–the Madera Deputy Sheriffs Association–Fresno County Sheriff Richard Pierce–Madera County Sheriff John Anderson–and Three-Strikes author Mike Reynolds.
On March 5 of 2002–Steve Samuelianwon the Republican nomination for the 29th Assembly District by a convincing margin of 56 to 43 percent. The current voter registration in the 29th Assembly District is 51 percent Republican to 36 percent Democrat.
During his campaign–Samuelian has continually spoken about the need for less taxes and burdensome regulations on local businesses. His new business support comes on the heels of a variety of recent support earned by Samuelian from individuals and organizations–including Assemblyman Mike Briggs–Fresno County Sheriff Richard Pierce–Madera County Sheriff John Anderson–and the Associated Builders and Contractors. "I welcome and appreciate the support from so many local business leaders. Small business is the backbone of our community and I will work hard in Sacramento to ensure that the Central Valley is a business-friendly environment," said Samuelian.
Samuelian has served as the Republican party’s State Central Committee Member since 1989 and Executive Committee Member since 1991. He was the Central Valley Co-Chair of George W. Bush’s presidential campaign–and was Vice President and Co-Founder of the Young Republican Federation of California. He continues his involvement with many Central Valley organizations like the Clovis Chamber of Commerce–the United Way–Crimestoppers–and the Armenian Studies Program at CSU–Fresno.
The Armenian National Committee – Political Action Committee–in association with the San Fernando ANC Chapter–will be hosting a reception for 29th Assembly District Candidate Steve Samuelian on Wednesday–September 18 at 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the home of Hrair Nahabedian–located at 22524 Cantlay St. West Hills–CA 91307. For more information–directions or to RSVP–contact the ANC-PAC at (818) 409-6860. Please respond before August 23rd. Event Sponsors $1000 contribution. Event Co-Sponsors $500 contribution.