WOODSIDE, NY - The Armenian National Committee (ANC) of New York announced that it has endorsed the candidacy of George E. Pataki (R) for the Office of Governor. The endorsement was based on Pataki's past record of support on the diverse issues of special concern to Armenian Americans in the state of New York.
As a long time friend of the Armenian American community, Governor Pataki has consistently been at the forefront of Armenian Genocide recognition efforts. In particular, Governor Pataki has issued, on an annual basis, a Gubernatorial proclamation properly recognizing and remembering in strong language the Genocide of the Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Turkish government.
Governor Pataki has hosted several Armenian Genocide remembrance events in his Gubernatorial office, including this year, when he recognized a 102 year-old survivor of the Armenian Genocide. He has hosted several meetings with Armenian-American community leaders to discuss Armenian Genocide recognition efforts and the ongoing campaign of denial by the Turkish government and other important concerns.
Governor Pataki has issued other proclamations for other topics of interest to the Armenian-American community. In June 2001, Governor Pataki issued a proclamation commemorating the 1700th anniversary of Armenia's adoption of Christianity as its state religion. In October 2002, Governor Pataki issued a proclamation recognizing the 80th anniversary of the Turkish government's burning of the city of Smyrna and the persecution of Greeks in Asia Minor along with Assyrians and Armenians.
"Throughout his two terms as the chief executive of the great state of New York, Governor Pataki has consistently supported and led numerous issues of concern to the Armenian American community," stated Alex Sarafian, chairman of the ANC of New York. "His Gubernatorial record on these issues is unmatched in the United States. We urge Armenian Americans in the state of New York to rally behind Governor Pataki on November 5th, to ensure that a true advocate of so many important issues remains in office," concluded Sarafian.
George Pataki began his distinguished career in public office in 1981 as the Mayor of Peekskill. Two years later, he was re-elected as Mayor with 76-percent of the vote. After serving two terms as Mayor, George Pataki was elected to the New York State Assembly where he served four terms before winning a seat in the State Senate in 1992. On November 8, 1994, George Pataki defeated three-term incumbent Mario Cuomo for the Office of Governor. He was re-elected in 1998 by the largest margin of any Republican in State history.
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.
####
|
Stratomedia, Inc.
