LOS ANGELES–Members of the Los Angeles and North Hollywood chapter of the Armenian National Committee met with Tom La Bonge–candidate for the 4th District of Los Angeles City Council on October 6. The seat is open due to the death of long time councilman John Ferraro. In the primary neither La Bonge nor Beth Garfield received the required 50 percent of votes to win the election. The run-off election is on Tuesday–October 23.
After the successful meeting–during which various issues of concern to the Armenian American community were discussed–the Los Angeles and N. Hollywood chapters of the ANC announced their endorsement of Tom La Bonge. "Tom’s 15 years of experience as the former chief field representative to Councilman John Ferraro and his seven years of service as special assistant to then Mayor Richard Riordan–make La Bonge uniquely qualified to hold this position," stated Gary Khandjian–a member of the Los Angeles ANC. "We strongly urge the residents of the 4th district to cast their votes for Tom La Bonge on October 23," added Greg Koesian–Chairman of the N. Hollywood ANC."