Korman Seeks to Show His Asian Connections Would Help District

In an unusual campaign move, Republican congressional candidate Sang Korman has scheduled a meeting of 15 executives of South Korean corporations and local leaders to discuss the prospect of locating plants, offices or other facilities in the 21st District.

Korman, a real estate developer who is challenging Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) in the June 7 primary, seeks to become the first Korean-American elected to Congress.

The meeting will take place in Thousand Oaks on May 10 at Reuben’s Restaurant and will be open to invited business, civic and media representatives.

The Newbury Park resident has pledged to encourage investment by Pacific Rim nations such as Japan and South Korea in the southern Ventura County and western San Fernando district if elected.

The Korean executives will be in Los Angeles to attend a United States-Republic of Korea Defense Industry conference intended to promote greater cooperation between the nations’ defense industries. They include representatives from such major firms as Samsung Industries Ltd., Daewoo Heavy Industries Ltd. and Goldstar Electronics, according to Korman’s campaign.

The defense industry is the No. 1 employer in the 21st District, which is also home to the Pacific Missile Test Center at Point Mugu and a naval base at Port Hueneme.

Westlake Village City Councilman Franklin D. Pelletier, who considered running against Gallegly and last week became the first local official to endorse Korman, will host the dinner.

In a news release issued by Korman’s campaign, Pelletier said of Korman: “He is uniquely qualified to help this district gain great economic advantages from increasing trade with the Asian nations. This is going to mean more jobs, more investment opportunities and many other advantages for the people of this district.”