American Arab Forum

For Immediate Release

Governor appoints Arab American. AAF congratulates Sami Merhi on his appointment to State Commission, urges quick Senate approval.

Contact: Aref Assaf, 973-960-2673

Paterson, NJ November 9, 2007: The American Arab Forum, an advocacy think-tank based in Paterson, NJ extends its warmest congratulations to Mr. Sami Merhi on the appointment by Governor Jon Corzine to join the distinguished Educational Facilities Authority. The appointment is not final unless the Senate approves it as is the law.

Mr. Sami Merhi is a prominent and a long time Arab American businessman, community leader and volunteer. His selection, when finalized, will bring a unique and often relegated perspective on the important issues facing our state. His selection will solidify the short list of Arab Americans who are currently serving on other State Boards and Commissions. Among these are Mrs. Anisa Mehdi on the Public Broadcasting Authority, Mr. Samer Khalaf on the Immigrations Blue Ribbon task Force, Mr. Tawfiq Barqawi on the Human Relations Council, and Mr. Hani Mawla on the Civil Rights Commission. Dr. Aref Assaf is serving a second three-year term as member of the Ethnic Advisory Council.

State Boards and Commissions serve as a non governmental body comprised of hundred of individuals with certain skills and experiences covering the full spectrum of government mandates and services. Their roles and powers vary depending on their specific mandate. But they  all play an important role in shaping public policy and help define the scope  and extent to which  State government enacts or applies laws and sets monetary budgets.

 Aref Assaf, president of AAF lauded the Governor for his selection of  Mr. Merhi and urged the Governor to continue to ask more Arab Americans to serve their state in other capacities. AAF has been working closely with the Governor's Appointment Office to vet potential candidates from our community for upcoming appointments.

Mr. Assaf added that "Arab Americans are keenly aware of their rights and duties as good citizens. They are as thrilled to be afford the opportunity to serve and make New Jersey's political landscape representative of its ethnic mosaic." End

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