Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) attended State Controller John Chiang’s inauguration into office at the California Railroad Museum on Monday, January 8, 2007. Joining the dozens of elected officials and California residents on behalf of the ANCA-WR were Board Members Souzi Zerounian-Khanzadian and Leonard Manoukian as well as Executive Director Andrew Kzirian, and ANC activist Miro Khanzadian.

Addressing those gathered to celebrate, Chiang said, “Ladies and Gentlemen… friends… tonight I accept this challenge as California’s 31st State Controller and I invite you to join me in reaffirming the greatness of our people and our nation by accomplishing the impossible.”

During the race for CA State Controller, Chiang was endorsed by the Armenian National Committee PAC in both the June Primary Election and the November General Election.

As State Controller, Chiang will act as California’s chief financial officer. In this capacity he will manage the disbursement of all state funds, auditing various state and local government programs, and keeping Californians informed regarding the state its economy. Prior to being elected State Controller, Chiang served as an attorney for past State Controller, Gray Davis, and as staff member to Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressman Mel Levine, State Controller Candidate, Don Perata, and Kathleen Brown during her race for Governor.

“John has been steadfastly responsive to Californian Armenians and issues of concern to us,” said Zerounian-Khanzadian. “We are proud to be joining John on the occasion of his inauguration and look forward to continuing to build our working relationship with him as he continues to serve the people of California.”

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

PHOTO CAPTION: State Controller John Chiang is joined by ANCA-WR Board Member Souzi-Zerounian Khanzadian and her husband, ANC activist Miro Khanzadian.