Source: Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA)

Los Angeles, CA, September 25, 2008 – Armineh Chelebian, a successful accountant with deep roots in San Fernando Valley's cultural and business communities, is the Republican nominee for California's 40th State Assembly District.  She is seeking the seat currently occupied by Assemblymember Lloyd Levine (D) who is being termed out in 2008.  If successful, Armineh will become the first Iranian-Armenian-American to be elected to the California State Assembly. 

Born in Iran, Armineh immigrated to the United States with her family in 1978 at the age of sixteen.  Soon after, she was accepted to California State University, Northridge where she majored in Business Administration Accounting, receiving her B.S. degree in 1984.  After graduating, Armineh went on to a twenty-year professional career in Business Administration, and is the founder and President of A.S.C. Accounting and Financial Consulting Services.  

In 2001, Armineh became involved in politics by assisting the Honorable Bob Yousefian, current Council Member and past Mayor of the City of Glendale, to win his campaign.  As a result, she discovered a real interest in politics and community service.  "I saw the opportunity to stand up, make a difference, and give back to my community," explains Armineh. 

Over the past several years, Armineh has served as member of the Executive Board of the Los Angeles County Republican Party, Chair of the 40th Assembly District Republican Central Committee, Co-Chair of Valley Vote Education Committee, and Block Captain for the Los Angeles Police Department.  In 2004, she was elected to the Board of Directors of the Winnetka Neighborhood Council and was reelected in 2006.  Armineh currently serves as the Chair of the Council's Public Works Transportation and Interfaith Committees. 

Armineh will face Democratic nominee Bob Blumenfield in the November election.  If elected, her top priorities include education reform and bringing accountability to the budget process in the State Capitol.  Armineh supports Charter Schools and would like to break up the Los Angeles Unified School District into smaller, more manageable school districts.  "We need to change the machinery, and bring back responsibility and efficiency by empowering parents and local administrators with a sense of ownership," says Armineh.   As an accountant, she believes that she can combat waste and fraud in government.  "We need more accountability in the budget process, to cut wasteful spending, and not raise taxes to solve our spending problems."  

Armineh's campaign has received key endorsements from former Governor George Deukmejian, State Senator George Runner, and Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca.  As an underdog candidate in a Democratic District, Armineh plans on running a competitive race with a professional mailing campaign targeting registered voters and informing them about her impressive credentials and compelling life story. 

"We were victorious in the primary and now have an even bigger challenge ahead of us," says Armineh.  "However, I am confident in our campaign and in our winning message of bringing real change and reform to Sacramento to make a difference and represent all the stakeholders in the 40th Assembly District."

Click here to learn more about Armineh Chelebian and her campaign.

... Payvand News - 09/27/08 ...

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