Eric Garcetti	Wendy Greuel

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Armenian National Committee of America -Western Region (ANCA-WR) today announced its dual endorsement of Eric Garcetti and Wendy Greuel in the Los Angeles mayoral election, choosing the two candidates from the crowded field of five main candidates. Garcetti and Greuel, both longtime friends of the Armenian-American community, garnered the endorsement after responding to questionnaire and interview questions in a way which evidenced their thorough grasp of important Armenian issues, as well as a sincere devotion to making the Armenian community an equal partner in the future of the City of Los Angeles.

“Throughout their long careers in public office, both Eric and Wendy have been and continue to be great friends of the Armenian-American community. For the primary election on March 5th, we urge Armenian-American voters in Los Angeles to support either of them over any other candidates as they seek the title of Mayor,” said ANCA-WR Co-Chair Nora Hovsepian. “We each have the opportunity to express the collective interests of our community in the ballot box, and it is vitally important for each Armenian-American to exercise this civic right. We urge every citizen to heed our call to Get Out the Vote and to support those who support our Cause.”

Ms. Greuel welcomed the endorsement, saying, “It is an honor to be endorsed by ANCA-WR, and I’m proud that I’ve stood with the Armenian American community throughout my career. I’ll be a mayor for all of Los Angeles, and I’ll fight for a thriving economy that creates jobs and supports small businesses, a transportation system that is modern and efficient, and reforms for our schools. I’m excited to continue to partner with the ANCA-WR and Armenians throughout the city to confront the challenges facing LA.”

Likewise, Mr. Garcetti appreciated receiving the organization’s support and stated, “I’m honored to have the support of the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region. Together we have formed long lasting partnerships within the Armenian community to ensure that everyone gets greater access to City and social services. We have also ensured that the tragedy of the Genocide is never forgotten and that it serves as a lasting lesson for future generations and encourages all of us to continue in making strives towards justice. I look forward to continued partnerships with the Armenian community as Mayor of Los Angeles.”

The endorsement announcement comes only months after resurgent political activity in the Armenian-American community in Los Angeles, led by the ANCA-WR’s Hye Votes initiative, which registered nearly 5,000 new voters before the 2012 General Election.

The decision came at the recommendation of the ANCA-WR Los Angeles Mayoral Election Task Force. Composed of representatives from all of the ANCA chapters located in the City of Los Angeles – Hollywood, San Fernando Valley West, San Fernando Valley North, San Fernando Valley East, and Crescenta Valley – as well as members of the ANCA-WR Board of Directors, the Task Force reviewed questionnaires submitted by the candidates and, also, met with candidates who responded to an interview request.

The candidates’ responses to the ANCA-WR’s questionnaires are being reprinted in their entirety in order to provide information necessary for our community members as they vote in this election.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.