Vietnamese Businessman Phu Nguyen Announces Assembly Bid

We recieved the following press announcement that may very well shake up the 68th Assembly District contest this year.

Successful small business owner Phu Nguyen announces bid for 68^th Assembly District

Phu Nguyen, a community leader and successful business entrepreneur, has announced his candidacy for the 68^th State Assembly District.

“I am running because I still believe in the California Dream. My parents came to California as refugees from Vietnam with two dollars in their pocket and the dream of making a new life in this great country. They struggled and sacrificed, working long hours to build a business, but they thrived because they found opportunity. That opportunity included a great education system, infrastructure investment, support for working families, and a business community focused on common goals. Their success was linked to the success of California as it grew to the eighth largest economy in the world.”

“Like many Californian parents today, my wife and I worry about our children’s future. We wonder whether hard work, perseverance, and hope will be enough if California continues on its current track.”

As the 68^th Assembly District’s representative in Sacramento, Phu Nguyen is committed to bringing resources back to local schools, along with jobs to the district.  Moving beyond the partisan gridlock to focus on cost-effective solutions, Phu Nguyen will bring his community and business experiences to take on education and health care reform in California.

Phu Nguyen’s candidacy has already earned endorsements and support from prominent elected leaders in Orange County.

U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez states, “Phu Nguyen understands the connection between a quality education and high paying jobs.  Within the next twelve years California will face a shortage of over one million jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree. We need leaders like Phu who can think with both the short and long term in mind when making the tough decisions addressing our great state.”

California State Senator Lou Correa adds, “I have witnessed Phu grow from a young student leader to a father-husband who continues to care about his neighbors and the families of Central Orange County. His passion of caring for all of us, will guide him to make the right decisions for all of his constituents, in these most difficult times.”

Costa Mesa City Councilwoman Katrina Foley, another strong supporter, states, “Phu Nguyen understands the needs of small businesses and their value to local communities.  As someone who helped build a family “mom and pop” shop into a substantial business with branches in fifteen states, Phu knows what it takes to get things done for small businesses and local communities.”

Phu is a graduate of Mater Dei High School, where he served as Class President and was recognized as Mater Dei’s “Young Man of the Year.”   He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in political science from the California State University, at Fullerton, and a Master’s Degree in  Peace and Justice, an interdisciplinary program in International Relations, Conflict Resolution and Ethics from the University of San Diego. Phu currently manages Saigon Central Post, an international remittance company. His wife, Yen Khanh, is a math professor at Santa Ana College.

Phu Nguyen has been meeting and talking with voters daily.  The campaign will hold the first fundraiser on Friday, January 29^th at 7 p.m. at Paracel Seafood Restaurant in Westminster.

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On the Democratic side, Ken Arnold who ran in 2008 has also indicated an intention to run. On the Republican side whe have Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor and Orange County Board of Education Trustee  Long Pham in the race.