MONTEBELLO–A candidates’ forum will be conducted at the new Montebello Armenian Center to help acquaint the local community with the candidates for City Council and the hot issues that dominate the Nov. 4 municipal elections.
Organized by the San Gabriel Valley Armenian National Committee–the Forum will be attended by the major candidates–including incumbents and challengers for the three seats that are up for election.
"We believe that this Candidates’ Forum will inform the Armenian-American community–as well as non-Armenia’s–about several issues which are of keen interest to the voters of this city," said local ANC Chairman Serge L. Samoniantz.
Among the key issues is an eventual proposal for the city to restrict its residential and commercial waste hauling contract to a single contractor–instead of the current free enterprise system which allows several small firms to compete in the city.
Supporters of the system claim that a monopoly is the only way for the city to reach its mandated 50 percent reduction in landfill waste by the year 2000–or be subject to heavy fines from the state.
"It is important for all persons who have a stake in the city’s management and its public policy to come to the Candidates’ Forum on Oct. 30 and–after hearing the various candidates’ views–make up their mind–and vote accordingly," Samoniantz said.
After statemen’s and rebuttals from the candidates–a question-and-answer period from the audience will be conducted by the ANC.
The public is encouraged to attend the event. Admission is free–and refreshmen’s will be provided at the end of the program.
The Montebello Armenian Center is located at 420 W. Washington Blvd at 5th Street
There is ample free parking. Entrance is on the 5th Street side. For more information–call the Armenian Center–at (213) 722-9697–after 10 a.m.