From left to right: Tereza Yerimyan, Sam Kbushyan and Harout Harry Semerdjian
HOLLYWOOD—With neighborhood council elections in the greater Hollywood area fast approaching, the Armenian residents and stakeholders of Hollywood are urged to learn more about the candidates and vote.
“Armenian Americans who are stakeholders should take this opportunity to learn more about the candidates running to represent them.” said Paul Seradarian, Chairman of the ANCA Hollywood. “By casting your vote our community has a voice in selecting neighborhood council members whose advisory role addresses important quality of life issues that affect our lives.”
Stakeholders are individuals who live, work, go to school or use other types of services in the communities represented by the council. Stakeholders do not need to U.S. Citizens or registered voters. All individuals will an invested interest in the area are encouraged to get out and vote.
The East Hollywood Neighborhood Council is divided into 11 districts. Four Armenian-Americans are running for different positions; Sam Kbushyan and Shahan Suzmeyan are running for re-election. They are joined by first time candidates Tereza Yerimyan and Harout Harry Semerdjian. Only 1 candidate will be elected in each district in East Hollywood. Hollywood area residents aged 16 and above can cast their ballots on Sunday, September 16 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1055 N. Alexandria Ave. on the corner of Santa Monica and Alexandria.
The elections for Central Hollywood, Hollywood United and Hollywood Studio District Neighborhood Councils will also take place on September 16. You can find out more about these candidates by visiting the Empower LA website.
Next month, the Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council will be holding their elections. GGPNC is divided into 5 districts and each district will elect 2 representatives. Longtime activist and Armenian-American, Christina Amerian-Khanjian is running for district B. Residents aged 13 and above, can cast their votes on Saturday, October 6 the time and location will be determined later.
The Armenian National Committee of Hollywood advances the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the area’s Armenian American community and promotes increased Armenian American civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels.
East Hollywood Neighborhood Council Elections
TEREZA YERIMYAN: DISTRICT 5
I have lived, worked, and volunteered in Hollywood for over 20 years. There is a great deal that this community can do to work together to beautify the region and make it a more friendly environment for new businesses. I’m determined to provide a better learning environment for our youth and provide opportunities where they have access to young professionals who can guide them to appropriate careers. My goal is to apply my experience and education toward building coalitions, empowering our youth, and lending an ear to all who have concerns in Hollywood.
SAM KBUSHYAN: BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE
I am seeking re-election to continue work with East Hollywood business owners and further promote the commercial interests of our East Hollywood Community. Additionally, invite new organically homegrown business investments to improve the economic conditions of our neighborhood. I strongly believe that engaging business owners to work with the community can bring improvements, beautification, and a sense of ownership to care for the health of our neighborhood.
HAROUT HARRY SEMERDJIAN: AT-LARGE
Raised in the ethnic neighborhoods of L.A. since the age of 1, and after several years of academic training and professional enrichment on the East Coast & Europe, I recently returned to Hollywood with the intention of giving back to my community. I hold B.A. & M.A. degrees from UCLA, a M.A. from The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy (Tufts University), & I am currently a Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Oxford. My goal is to make an intellectual & qualitative impact to EH & strengthen its image as a national & international asset of culture & diversity. If elected, I will be an available resource to our community & will focus on education & community empowerment to help implement much-needed changes in our neighborhood. I will bring to our community a wealth of experience & knowledge with a truly global perspective.
