Local Chapter of Armenian National Committee Endorses Baghdadlian for City Council

District 4 City Council candidate Joe Baghdadlian has picked up an endorsement from the Armenian National Committee of America, (ANCA) Pasadena Chapter.

Baghdadlian is challenging incumbent Councilmember Gene Masuda.

The endorsement, ANCA said in a press statement, “is based on his vision and plan for Pasadena’s District 4 and for his strong support of the Armenian Community.”

The endorsement came after an “open and sincere discussion” between the committee and candidate, according to ANCA.

“Mr. Baghdadlian has a fundamental understanding of the issues that surround the needs of the Armenian American community, his district, as well as the rest of the city,” said ANCA Pasadena Chairperson, Shoghig Yepremian.

The statement cited Baghdadlian’s concerns about a proposed, residential/commercial project at the Space Bank Storage project, on Foothill Boulevard, as one reason for its support.

Like the incumbent, Baghdadlian believes there are “serious environmental consequences,” to the project which has the potential to harm District 4 residents and beyond.

The candidate is concerned about development “run amok” and dismayed by the number of small- and mid-sized businesses closing in Pasadena.

“Joe,” as ANCA refers to its preferred candidate, emigrated to California in 1973 and survived on the strength of his ability to fix cars until that skill empowered him to open his own local auto body shop.

Today he runs Symes Collision Center and Joe’s Auto Body Collision Center, both on Colorado Boulevard, in the district where he has planted his flag and launched a bid to serve and represent.

“The ANCA, Pasadena Chapter believes that Joe Baghdadlian will ensure that diverse and equal representation of all ethnic communities within the city’s government will continue unabated, and urges the Armenian American community as well as the Pasadena community at large to participate in the upcoming election on March 3rd, 2020.”