FRESNO–Clovis resident Steve Samuelian today officially announced his candidacy for California’s 29th Assembly District at events in Fresno and the Madera Ranchos. Nearly 100 supporters joined Samuelian as he spoke about four majors issues that will drive his candidacy: water–public safety–education–and small business.
Regarding public safety–Samuelian said–"Public safety will be the top issue on everyone’s mind this winter. The three strikes law is working. We need to stop the liberals from watering it down and we need to pass more laws like it."
"Concerning water–lawmakers in Sacramento need to increase the supply to the Valley by increasing storage capabilities throughout the state," said Samuelian. "We need more surface level water storage and reliable distribution." As for small business–taxes and wasteful spending–Samuelian said–"California is in a fiscal crisis with a 14 billion deficit because Gray Davis expanded government at a record rate over the last three years. We are spending well more than twice as much money as we were under Governor Wilson when he faced similar budget shortfalls. We need to do more to bring more jobs into the Valley–and we can’t do that until legislators are willing to stand up to liberal politicians and reduce bureaucratic waste."
At the Fresno announcement held by Samuelian’s campaign headquarters–Valley GOP leader Mike DerManouel Jr. and General Campaign Chairman Edward Kashian emceed the event. DerManouel spoke about Samuelian’s extensive political experience and conservative principals. DerManouel noted that Samuelian co-chaired the Central Valley for Bush’s presidential campaign–his twelve-year membership on the California Republican Party State Executive committee–and that Samuelian co-founded the Young Republican Federation of California.
Past- President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce–Danny Parra–introduced Samuelian. Parra spoke about Samuelian’s service to the community. Parra noted that Samuelian’s various leadership positions have prepared him to understand and work on the issues important in the Central Valley.
John Shegerian–owner of Bulldog Brewery and local business leader–closed the Fresno announcement by talking about Samuelian’s support from valley business. Shegerian said that small business is confident that Samuelian will fight for less taxes and support small business. Shegerian also mentioned Samuelian’s November 6th fundraiser–which is expected to be one of the largest political fundraisers in Fresno history.
The announcement in the Madera Ranchos–held at the Maywood Center–was emceed by Madera County Supervisor and Co-Chair Frank Bigelow. Bigelow spoke about the longtime friendly relationship that Samuelian has had with the Madera Ranchos. Bigelow noted a recent supportive editorial in the Madera Ranchos Independent about Samuelian as an indication of the feeling of Ranchos residents toward Samuelian.
Madera farmer Rick Cosyns spoke about Samuelian’s support from the agriculture industry. Cosyns said that Samuelian will fight for lower taxes–additional water supply storage capabilities–and reduction of stringent–extreme–unrealistic environmental regulations. He also noted Samuelian’s support for programs that would help market California agriculture.
Madera County Supervisor and Campaign Co-Chairman Vern Moss gave an update on Samuelian’s campaign. He spoke about the campaigns strong start–which has been fueled by widespread support from several local elected officials–community leaders–and various organizations and coalitions.
Samuelian for Assembly campaign headquarters is located at 2499 W. Shaw–#103 in Fresno.