Glendale, CA - The Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region announced late last week its endorsement of Chris Holden for the 41st State Assembly District. The decision came after a thorough candidate selection process, which included several meetings with candidates, an examination of each candidate's track record with regards to issues of concern to the Armenian-American community as well as their position on key issues facing the State of California. "I have always valued my relationship with the Armenian-American community in Pasadena. I want to thank the Armenian National Committee of America for its endorsement, and I look forward to working with you in the important months and years ahead," stated, current Pasadena City Councilmember and State Assembly candidate Chris Holden said. Born July 19, 1960 in Pasadena, California, Christopher Holden is a former Mayor of Pasadena, California, serving from 1997 to 1999. Having been a council member since 1989, Holden is also the second longest-serving member in the history of the Pasadena City Council. A graduate of Pasadena High School and San Diego University, Holden's accomplishments include the creation of a living wage ordinance, charter reform through which the City Council created the position of elected Mayor and compensation for Councilmembers, Utility Deregulation, redevelopment of the City's civic center, and chair of the Charter Reform Task Force for schools. As the champion of Pasadena's slumlord ordinance and drug-free zones, Holden has regional interests as well, serving as an officer on the Burbank Airport Authority. He lives in Pasadena with his wife, Melanie, his four children: Nicholas, Alexander, Austin, Mariah, and his stepson, Noah. "We welcome the ANCA-WR's endorsement of Chris Holden as he is a viable candidate for Assembly 41st District with extensive public service experience and proven leadership qualities in the City of Pasadena. His accomplishments as a City Council member and a former Mayor give us the confidence that he is capable of representing the interests of the local communities throughout the 41st District and the interests of the Armenian community in the State of California. We encourage our community to support and vote for Chris Holden in the upcoming June 5th primary elections," stated ANCA-Pasadena Chairwoman Shoghig Yepremian. 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.

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