The Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Rhode Island, the only influential Armenian-American grassroots advocacy group in the state, undertook an ambitious—and successful—election program this year. The local ANC chapter interviewed many candidates seeking the endorsement, including Republicans, Democrats, Moderates, and Independents alike. Letters of support, as well as lawn signs, were sent to the communities with endorsed candidates.
On the city, town, and federal levels, the following candidates received the ANC-RI’s endorsement:
Providence: Dan McKiernan, candidate for State Representative District 7; Patrick Butler, candidate for City Council, Ward 5.
North Providence: Incumbents Dino Autiello, John Lynch, and Alice Brady, all for Town Council; Ken Amoriggi and Don Cataldi for School Committee.
Cranston: Speaker of the House, Nicholas Mattiello, State Senator and incumbent Hanna Gallo.
Warwick: Mayor Scott Avedisian.
East Providence: Representative Katherine Kazarian.
Federal delegation: Sen. Jack Reed; Congressman David Cicilline; Congressman James Langevin.
ANC-RI members also attended events for many of the candidates, including Mayor Avedisian, U.S. Senator Reed (annual breakfast), U.S. Congressmen Cicilline and Langevin, along with Representative Kazarian, Speaker Mattiello, Representative Arthur “Doc” Corvese, and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (annual clambake).
An important part of the 2014 election cycle was the “Meet and Greet the Candidates” program, which took place on three consecutive weeks in the Fermanian Hall of Sts. Vartanantz Church during the fellowship hour. These events provided the community with a chance to meet the candidates in person, and to have one-on-one conversations. Channel 10 news covered the Nov. 2 event.
The following candidates participated: On Oct. 19, Democrats David Cicilline for U.S. Congress; Gina M. Raimondo for governor; Nellie M. Gorbea, secretary of state; Peter F. Kilmartin, attorney general; Seth Magaziner, treasurer; Jorge Elorza, mayor of Providence. On Oct. 26, Independents and Moderates Robert Healey, governor; Ernest Almonte, treasurer. On Nov. 2, Republicans Mark S. Zaccaria, U.S. Senate; Rhue R. Reis, U.S. Congress; Allan W. Fung, governor; Catherine Terry Taylor, lt. governor; John M. Carnevale, Sr., secretary of state; Dawson Tucker Hodgson, attorney general; and Scott Avedisian, mayor of Warwick.
The ANC-RI looks forward to working closely with the newly elected officials as the community heads towards the Centennial commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. The ANC-RI asks readers to consider contributing to the organization so it may continue to fight for the interests of the Armenian community, as well as national programs. and the many events that will make up the Centennial commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.
Photo: (L-R) Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, ANC member Harry Kachadoorian and newly elected Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea