By Taline Ghazarian
LOS ANGELES–At a press conference Wednesday–representatives from various Armenian American organizations announced their endorsement of Paul Krekorian for State Assembly in the Democratic Primary for the 43rd District–which includes Glendale–Burbank–North Hollywood–and Los Feliz.
As one of the most hotly contested primaries being held Tuesday–June 6–the race to fill the seat vacated by Dario Frommer has Burbank School Board President Paul Krekorian pitted against Glendale City Councilman Frank Quintero. The winner of the primary in this predominantly Democratic district will most likely win the general election in November.
According to the Los Angeles Times–"It is Krekorian who is best prepared for the role."
Krekorian has been a leader in the area for many years–having served on the Democratic Central Committee–various educational advisory boards–and as counsel to the LA Police Commission after the 1992 riots.
As President of the Burbank School Board–Krekorian stabilized its budget–introduced measures to improve curriculum and help the environment–and implemented programs that increased academic performance.
Due to his extensive experience and demonstrated abilities–Krekorian has been endorsed by the Armenian National Committee – Political Action Committee–California Teacher’s Association–the Los Angeles Times–the LA Weekly–Congressmen Frank Pallone and Brad Sherman–and the Armenian community at large.
This race has special significance to Armenian Americans–who represent approximately 20 percent of voters and are the largest ethnic group in the district.
"Armenian voters have the power of making their voices heard," said Stepan Boyajian of the Armenian National Committee of Burbank. "It is the duty of every Armenian American to vote on June 6."
As an activist within the Armenian community–Krekorian sits on the board of the committee charged with disbursing assets recovered in a lawsuit against the New York Life Insurance Company–which have been wrongfully withheld since the Armenian genocide of 1915. He is also a member of the Armenian Film Foundation and an advocate of Armenian students’ rights in the public school system.
"While others may seem like friends of the Armenian community–Paul Krekorian is a son of the community," added Boyajian.
Come Tuesday–Krekorian will be relying on this community to give him the opportunity to serve them once more–in the State Assembly. If they elect him–the Armenian community will be represented not by just a supporter–but by one of its own.