Councilman Jack Hadjinian was elected mayor Tuesday, becoming the first Armenian-American to be selected to that position, the Whittier Daily News reports.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, who is prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, delivered the invocation at the meeting that was held at Bagramaian Hall of the Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral. More than 600 people were present.
“I am absolutely humbled and grateful to serve as the new mayor of Montebello,” said Hadjinian. “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.”
Hadjinian, who was elected to the Montebello City Council in 2011, succeeded Bill Molinari as mayor.
Councilman Art Barajas was elected mayor pro tem.
