GEORGETOWN, Mass. — Mark Tashjian, an Armenian-American small business owner and Georgetown Finance Committee Member, is seeking the Republican nomination for state representative in Massachusetts’ 2nd Essex District.
Tashjian’s desire to run for state representative is rooted in his deep ties to the Armenian-American community and his belief in grassroots activism.
“Armenians are some of the sharpest minds and brightest leaders in every industry. One of the reasons I am running for State Representative is to inspire the Armenian community to get constructively involved in local government,” Tashjian said. “We have brilliant examples like former California governor George Deukmejian Jr. who have gone before us, and we all have a part to play as diasporan Armenians. Let’s get involved in building a secure and globally impactful future for the United States and Armenia.”
The Tashjian campaign intends to call attention to the need for leadership and advocacy to build up small town economies and responsible, local management. He said he intends to address high cost of living as well as too many affordable housing units in the six communities of the 2nd Essex District – Ipswich, Hamilton, Georgetown, Newbury, Rowley, and Topsfield Precinct 1.
“The families in our local towns deserve better. At a time with so much turmoil and uncertainty, we rightly expect our state leaders to be outspoken on the issues that matter, and engaged with constituents on a personal level,” Tashjian said. “Unfortunately, we are not receiving that kind of leadership right now. Over these next few months, I intend to learn about the issues facing our community, and I hope to be a voice for leadership and action on those very issues. That’s why I’m running — to show up, to listen to the people’s needs, and to bring their voice to Beacon Hill.”
A grandson of Armenian Genocide refugees, Tashjian is involved in both the local Armenian community via Ararat Church in Salem, NH and in Armenia itself: Tashjian volunteers with a mission organization based in a remote Armenian village, serving the needs of Artsakh refugees who faced ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijan. Currently, he is working to support Armenia-based education and business leaders in developing relationships between US-based organizations and Armenia.
