Ardy Kassakhian speaking during his campaign kick off event on February 6.
GLENDALE—Ardy Kassakhian last week announced that the membership of the Southern California Armenian Democrats (SCAD) voted unanimously to endorse his campaign for Assembly District 43.
With nearly 500 members, SCAD is the largest Armenian-American Democratic Club in Southern California, representing voters from Montebello to San Diego.
Adding onto endorsements from Democrats for Neighborhood Action, the East Area Progressive Democrats, and the Hubert H. Humphrey Democratic Club, SCAD’s endorsement broadens Kassakhian’s support from regional Democratic clubs.
“Ardy Kassakhian’s unwavering commitment to grassroots activism, his strong record of leadership, and his deep roots within the community make him our candidate for Assembly District 43,” stated Southern California Armenian Democrats President Mike Matosian. “Ardy will fight for equality, fairness, and opportunity for all, and be a champion for the values that define the Democratic Party.”
This week Kassakhian announced that the California School Employees Association, Glendale Chapter No. 3, Region 19, Area I has endorsed his campaign for Assembly District 43. The CSEA Glendale Chapter joins the broad coalition of local education leaders in supporting Kassakhian’s bid for the State Assembly, including President of the Glendale School Board Christine Walters, Glendale GTA Council Past-President Sandy Russell, and all five members of the Glendale Community College Board.
“As the son of a Glendale public school teacher, Ardy Kassakhian is deeply familiar with the district’s schools and will fight for its employees,” said Krista Smiley, Political Action Coordinator of the California School Employees Association, Glendale Chapter. “He is from the district and went to public schools in the district, and is the candidate that can best represent us in the State Assembly.”
Kassakhian also received an outpouring of support from Los Angeles city education leaders for his State Assembly campaign. Supporters include Los Angeles Community College Board President Scott J. Svonkin, Community College Board Trustees Mike Fong and Andra Hoffman, and Los Angeles Unified School Board Member Steve Zimmer.
“I am proud to join so many local leaders supporting Ardy Kassakhian,” said Los Angeles Community College Board President Scott J. Svonkin. “As President of the largest community college district in the nation, it is clear to me that Ardy will join me in my effort to improve access to college and help prepare local residents for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
“I’m proud to endorse Ardy Kassakhian for State Assembly,” stated Los Angeles Community College Board Trustee Andra Hoffman. “He understands the value of a public higher education and will work hard to make sure college is affordable and accessible to everyone.”
Kassakhian has demonstrated broad community support. Since launching his campaign last year, he has raised more than $470,000 and received endorsements from State Treasurer John Chiang, Secretary of State Alex Padilla, State Superintendent of Instruction Tom Torlakson, Congressman Brad Sherman, and a growing coalition of labor unions, including the Los Angeles Police Protective League, SEIU California, IATSE Local 80, Laborers’ Pacific Southwest Region (LiUNA!), Teamsters Joint Council 42, Painters and Allied Trades District Council 36, and the Glendale City Employees Association.
Kassakhian grew up and attended public schools in Glendale. He was first elected Glendale City Clerk in 2005. As Clerk, he has reduced government waste by introducing environmentally sound practices, made election information easier to access and worked to increase voter participation. Ardy graduated from UCLA and the Executive Program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He lives with his wife Courtney and their young son in Glendale.
Kassakhian is running to represent Assembly District 43, which includes the communities of Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta-Montrose and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz and Silver Lake. The primary election will be held on June 7, 2016. To learn more about Ardy Kassakhian, visit his website at www.ArdyforAssembly.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
Source: Asbarez
Link: Southern California Armenian Democrats Endorse Kassakhian for Assembly