GLENDALE–Over a hundred people attended a presidential election forum on Thursday, October 23 at Glendale Community College, organized jointly by the ARF Shant Student Association, the Gendale College Armenian Student Association and the Armenian National Committee-Western Region.
The forum sought to introduce the two major political parties and their viewpoints in regards to issues that interest students at universities and colleges in Los Angeles. The audience was composed of students mainly from Glendale Community College, although there were university students from the local Cal State Universities, as well as also future college students from nearby high schools.
For many in the audience, the upcoming presidential elections will be the first time they will be participating in the voting process.
Representatives from the Republican and Democratic Parties answered questions provided by moderator, Melanie Vartabedian of the “Shant” Student Association. The Republican side was represented by Nick Doom, a teacher of Advanced Placement American Government at Clark Magnet High School in Glendale. His counterpart, Jon Fuhrman, co-manager of the United Democratic Headquarters in Pasadena, represented the Democratic Party.
The representatives answered questions about their party’s positions on such issues as the economy, education, foreign affairs, and Armenia related issues. Both representatives took some time to answer questions about tax policy, job creation, more affordable higher education, and the Middle East. The speakers were also asked about their party’s views on the genocide in Darfur, recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and Armenia’s potential role in the Caucasus region.
Audience members were also given the opportunity to submit questions to panel participants.
Members of the audience expressed their gratitude to Glendale Community College and the organizing committees for exposing them to such a forum and believe that the forum will help them in choosing the right candidate.
The forum is scheduled to be televised on Thursday, November 6, at 8:00pm on Horizon Television.
