SACRAMENTO–The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region applauded Governor-Elect Gray Davis’ designation of Dario Frommer as appointmen’s Secretary–Rick Simpson as Legislative Secretary–and Michael Bustamante as Press Secretary.
"The individuals selected by Governor-Elect Gray Davis for three key staff positions are highly qualified and excellent choices," remarked ANCA-WR Chairman Vahe Yacoubian.
ANCA-WR Board Member Berdj Karapetian met with Dario Frommer in Sacramento–prior to the announcement–and congratulated Governor-Elect Gray Davis on his decision following the press conference at the State Capitol.
"The ANC developed a good working relationship with Dario during the gubernatorial campaign and is very pleases with his designation as Appointmen’s Secretary because he shares our concern for the needs of the Armenian community of California," pointed out Karapetian. The ANC-WR has encouraged the Governor-Elect to include qualified California Armenia’s in his Administration and on State Boards and Commissions.
"I am determined to reach out for the best California has to offer," said Governor-Elect Davis during the press conference announcing the appointmen’s. "I am confident these three talented individuals will serve the people of California and my administration with distinction."
Dario Frommer–of Los Angeles–is the first Latino to hold the position of Appointmen’s Secretary. Frommer will be charged with the responsibility of advising the Governor of filling hundreds of posts at all levels off state government. An attorney–Frommer has held a variety of high level political assignmen’s including serving as political director in the fall gubernatorial campaign–press secretary for then-Controller Gray Davis–chief of staff to former state Senator Art Torres and advisor and spokesperson for the California Democratic Party.
Rick Simpson has spent more than twenty years working in and around the Capitol–Currently the education consultant for the Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa–in 1995 and 1996 Simpson was the Chief of Staff for the Senate Education Committee. He has worked inn prior years for Assemblyman Willie L. Brown–Jr.–then-Assemblyman Jack O’Connel–and a legislative advocate for the California Teachers Association. Simpson will oversee the legislation efforts inn the Governor’s Office.
Filling the Press Secretary position will be the Governor-Elect’s current spokesperson–Michael Bustamante. A native of Alabama–Bustamante served as press secretary for the fall campaign and for the office of Lt. Governor. Prior to joining Davis’ staff in January 1998–Bustamante worked for Controller Kathleen Connell and spent three years as communications director and governmental relations coordinator for Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina. Bustamante is the first Latino to hold the position.
