Valadao’s work helps Armenians, too

Rep. David Valadao’s attention to constituent concerns, highlighted in The Fresno Bee’s Oct. 23 editorial endorsing him in the 21st Congressional District race, is the reason why he’ll be getting my vote.

In addition to his leadership on local water issues – working to get Republican and Democrat, Northern California and local leaders on board his legislation – I appreciate the work he has been doing in support of the Central Valley’s Armenian American community.

Rep. Valadao, a long-time advocate of a principled U.S. position on the Armenian genocide, recently became co-chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus. In that position, and as a member of the house subcommittee tasked with determining U.S. foreign aid priorities, Valadao has worked hard to prioritize continued poverty reduction and development assistance to Armenia. That assistance is particularly important now, as Armenia serves as safe-haven for a growing number of Syrian-Armenian Christian refugees, many of whom have relatives right here in the Central Valley.

It’s that type of caring and attention to community concerns that has prompted many 21st district voters to cross party lines to send him to Congress for his first two terms. I hope that trend continues on Nov. 8.

This story was originally published October 29, 2016 at 1:32 PM with the headline "Valadao’s work helps Armenians, too."