By Mary O’KEEFE

Greg Krikorian has decided to join the race for 43rd state Assembly District.

Krikorian has served as a Glendale Unified School District school board member for 11 years. When he first served as president of the school board, Krikorian mapped out his vision of the district’s future. Back then he spoke of bringing back the Glendale Educational Foundation and looking into alternative energy sources, like solar power. Working on these programs and seeing them to fruition is a work ethic he plans to bring to the state assembly, if elected.

In addition to his experience in the field of education, Krikorian is also founder of Krikorian Marketing Group (KMG) and vice president of business development for “Business Life” and “Senior Living” magazines.

“I understand the [challenges] of a small business,” he said.

An active member of the community, he has served on the board of directors of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce and the Burbank Economic Development Task Force. Working in the community through his business and the school board, Krikorian said, gives him a specific perspective that would benefit those living in California.

“The key [point] is our state is on an unsustainable path,” he said.

He said that he recognizes the struggle school districts have faced as money promised from the state does not come through, yet programs must be maintained. He has also seen how communities ban together to help and support one another.

Krikorian is involved in many organizations throughout the community, and continues to coach and referee for AYSO soccer, is on the board of directors of Verdugo Hills Boy Scouts Council and Salvation Army, and is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Glendale.

The three issues on which he will focus are education funding for colleges and public schools, reducing government and creating jobs.

“We [must deal] with the impacts of unfunded mandates to both businesses and education,” he said.

His background on the school board he feels has well-equipped him to address the state’s financial woes.

“[GUSD] is one of the few districts that has [remained] financially stable,” he said. Krikorian attributes this to the school board’s being fiscally conservative.

He added this is the right time for him to run.

“I want to be a voice for our community,” he said. He has already won the endorsement of Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich.

Come November, Krikorian will be running as a Republican against incumbent Mike Gatto, (D-Silver Lake).

  Mary Okeefe