Glendale, CA – Freshman State Assemblyman Steve Samuelian was the featured speaker at the ANC’s Leadership Institute on January 19, 2003. The Republican State legislator was elected to office during the last November mid-term elections. His election to office brought the number of Armenians serving in the California State Legislature up to 5. Samuelian spoke about the importance of becoming active in political and civic life. Prior to running for office, Samuelian was the District Director for Fresno Congressman George Radanovich. Rep. Radanovich played a lead role in the introduction of the Genocide Resolution in the House of Representatives in 2000 and Samuelian was a key contributor to the efforts to get that bill passed.

Assemblyman Samuelian also addressed the issues facing Armenian Americans as they become more politically involved and organized. He emphasized the inclusion of youth and college students in the process and referred regularly to his own personal experiences.

“Its encouraging to see a fellow Armenian-American with so much political experience elected to public office and standing up for our issues,” said Angineh Babaian, ANCA-WR Projects Coordinator. “The Assemblyman’s message of involvement is one that we need to make sure our entire community heeds and follows. With all the goals that our community needs to accomplish, as American citizens, we cannot remain idle.”

The lecture was followed by a question and answer session after which attendees and guests had an opportunity to speak to Assemblyman Samuelian one on one. The event was well attended and was the first ANC Leadership Institute lecture of 2003. For more information about the ANC Leadership Institute or if you’re interested in attending an ANC LI event, contact the ANCA-WR region offices at 818.500.1918.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) 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.