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Montebello installs Jack Hadjinian as its first Armenian mayor

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  • Montebello installs Jack Hadjinian as its first Armenian mayor

    San Gabriel Valley Tribune (California)
    November 26, 2014 Wednesday

    Montebello installs Jack Hadjinian as its first Armenian mayor

    by Mike Sprague


    MONTEBELLO >> Councilman Jack Hadjinian was elected mayor Tuesday,
    becoming the first Armenian American to be selected to that position.

    Nearly 800 were present at the meeting held in Bagramian Hall at the
    Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral.

    Today is a historic day, said Araksya Karapetyan, a Fox 11 news
    anchor. I m so proud as an Armenian to be standing before you. This is
    not just a big day. It s an important day for all Armenians living in
    America.

    Hadjinian, who was elected to the Montebello City Council in 2011,
    succeeded Bill Molinari as mayor. Councilman Art Barajas was elected
    mayor pro tem.

    Councilwoman Vivian Romero called the evening special.

    It was truly a historic moment, Romero said. Here we are in 2014 and
    we ve never had a Armenian mayor, Romero said. It also is the 100th
    anniversary of the Armenian genocide. That makes it even more special.

    Many public officials from Southern California attended the meeting,
    including Sheriff-elect Jim McDonnell who swore in Hadjinian as mayor,
    and Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian.

    It s a great moment for you and your family and a great moment for
    Armenian-Americans everywhere, Krekorian said.

    Also present was Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, who is prelate of
    the Armenian Apostolic Church of America. He delivered the invocation
    at the meeting.

    Hadjinian said he was humbled and grateful to be named mayor.

    As a native resident of Montebello whose roots go back three
    generations, my love and commitment to the growth and prosperity of
    Montebello has grown even deeper, he said.

    My inspiration comes from my family, he said. It was in this city that
    my grandfather and uncles all purchased their first homes to
    experience the American dream.

    As mayor, Hadjinian said he wants the council to get along.

    We don t always agree on the issues, but we can agree that we are
    passionate about the good will of the city, he said. Next year will
    require some tough decisions to be made. We must work together for
    benefit of the city.

    The council in the next year is expected to decide on a proposed
    housing development in the Montebello hills, as well as how to provide
    relief for blockages caused by trains on four streets in south
    Montebello.

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