Charkoudian Runs for City Council in Takoma Park

Lorig Charkoudian, a Massachusetts native, recently announced her candidacy for city council in Takoma Park, Md. Charkoudian has a progressive agenda, including environmental initiatives and economic development policies that support small and micro-enterprises. She underscores the importance of harnessing the potential of participatory democracy and making the city more accountable to its residents. She hopes to increase and enhance opportunities for residents to have input in policy decisions, and to develop a year-round pro-active budget process, coordinated with a committee made up of council members, residents, and staff.

Charkoudian holds a Ph.D. in economics from Johns Hopkins University. She has developed and worked with community-based programs throughout the state of Maryland and has worked professionally in dispute resolution for 16 years, including work with a variety of public agencies and law enforcement. She has raised revenue and managed budgets as a non-profit executive director, and increased revenue and programming during the economic downturn. She is currently active with the Takoma Junction Task Force and the South of Sligo Citizens Association, and has served on the Board of the TPSS Co-op.

Charkoudian has been working with several local non-profits to start a commercial kitchen to be used for micro-enterprise development. Local food is one of the many policy initiatives she is promoting. “Supporting the development of a local food system can address several important areas—economic development, job creation, environmental stewardship, and health. And food gives us a chance to celebrate different cultures and build community,” she said.

She credits her appreciation for the power of food as an economic engine and community builder to her Armenian upbringing. “I grew up eating the churtmah, merjumek, dolma, tabouli, and babaganoush that my grandmothers and mother made from food grown in their gardens. It fed the community and our souls, and it was good for our bodies and the environment.”

Lorig Charkoudian was raised in a political family, with both father and mother involved in local politics. Her mother, Bethel Bilezikian Charkoudian, was active in the civil rights movement in the early 1960’s, and currently serves on the Newton Parks and Recreation Commission. Her father, Levon Charkoudian, was commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Community Affairs under Governor Sargent. Her family has always had a strong presence and active involvement in the Armenian community. Three of her Marashtsi grandparents were survivors of the Armenian Genocide. Her aunt, Arppie Charkoudian, was the international president of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS). Lorig Charkoudian herself attended the AGBU Armenian Elementary School in Watertown, Mass.

Lorig Charkoudian lives in Takoma Park, Md., with her husband, Matt, and their children Aline and Raffi. For more information and to support her campaign, visit lorigcharkoudian.com.