C1 7328 N.7th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85021 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] www.azcnews.org FRIDAY, October 31 2014 Vol. 04 No. 179 Tel: (602)269-3062 (602)578-9376 Fax: (602)269-0715 Arizona Chinese American Community Leaders Attend Kimberly Yee Fundraiser Event Celebrates American Dream Phoenix, AZ -- Asian American community leaders attended a fundraiser dinner in support of Senator Kimberly Yee's re-election campaign for the Arizona Senate on October 21, 2014. The event was held at the Great Wall Restaurant and featured a patriotic-themed program. The evening event opened with a presentation of the colors by the American Legion Thomas Tang Post 50, followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Jack J.F. Yee, father of Senator Kimberly Yee, and the singing of the National Anthem by Beverly Wu. Guests then participated in the singing of patriotic songs led by Jack J.F. Yee who served as the master of ceremonies. He shared his thoughts of how proud he was to have been born in America. He emphasized that the United States is an exceptional country which offers the best opportunities for success, that with a strong work ethic and excellence in education, any person can realize the American Dream. The opening speaker was Arizona State Republican Party Chairman Robert S. Graham who acknowledged Senator Yee as a "rising star" of the Republican Party. He said that when they were in Washington, D.C. earlier in the year, Yee was recognized nationally for her work, and GOP party officials an- nounced that she is someone who will continue to play a major role in shaping the party’s future. Arizona Senate President Andy Biggs, who holds a bachelor's degree in Asian Studies and a law degree from the University of Arizona, was the keynote speaker and spoke of Senator Yee's experience in many policy areas and emphasized her passion for education policy issues. He addressed the importance of making an impact in our own communities. Senator Yee closed the evening's formal program by thanking the guests and sharing her family's history in America, the land fondly referred to as "Gold Mountain." She shared about one of the most important lessons she was taught by her parents. She said, "I was taught to appreciate your family’s history, your heritage and your culture so that you can be confident in who you are in order to boldly pursue every opportunity that comes your way. We can be stronger when we stand on the shoulders of those who preceded us." "I hope to return to the State Senate and continue to work for the people of my district and represent not only the community where I live, but also the Asian American community. I am committed to keeping our families safe, creating more jobs and strengthening education to provide opportunities for every family," Yee said. Doug Ducey Ariz. Governor Candidate Holds Asian American Leadership Roundtable By Barry Wong (Phoenix, Ariz.) “Opportunity for All” is a prominent tagline used by the Doug Ducey for Governor campaign. The candidate had a chance to demonstrate his commitment to that phrase recently at the “Asian American Leader- ship Roundtable with Doug Ducey” gathering at the University Club of Phoenix. Ducey talked about his position on issues such as education reform, the economy and economic development, tax re- "Asian American Leadership Roundtable with Doug Ducey Governor Candidate. (l-r) Mahabub Rahim, M.D., Jae Chin, Garry Ong, Charles Chiu, GOP Chair Robert Graham, Barry Wong and Doug Ducey. Photo courtesy of Jeff Jenq" duction and low business regulations. He emphasized that he would be a governor of all the people of Arizona regardless of a person’s background, race, ethnicity or place of origin. The Roundtable had the usual exchange of questions and answers from audience members to the candidate. However, the uniqueness of this Roundtable was the time dedicated for each Asian ethnic community group, one-by-one, to educate and introduce Ducey to their respective communities. The Bangladesh community was led by Mahabub Rahim, M.D., Chinese by Garry Ong, Filipino by Leo Aromin, Indian by Venkat Kommineni, Korean by Jae Chin, Pakistani by Sardar Babar, Vietnamese by Kevin Dang and other Asians by Albert Lin. Du- cey was focused and attentive as each community leader stepped forward to talk about their people, culture, history in Arizona, issues important to them and participation in the state as Arizonans and Americans. “Each Asian community leader at the Roundtable was impressed by Doug’s interest in learning about their individual communities,” said Barry Wong, former legislator and corporation commissioner, and Co-chair, Asian Americans for Ducey. “It is rare in this state that a candidate for high office would take the time and express genuine interest in learning about the unique ethnic groups which are commonly and collectively referred to as ‘Asians.’ “ Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2014. Polls open at 6:00am and close at 7:00pm; if you are in line by 7:00pm you will be allowed to vote. Remember to take government issued identification (driver license, ID-only card, passport) to the Poll. For elec- tion information (Poll location, voter registration status, description of ballot content) visit www.azsos.gov. Your vote is your voice. "Asian American Leadership Roundtable with Doug Ducey Governor Candidate. (l-r) Peter Chan, Bernard Wu, Charles Chiu, Doug Ducey, Garry Ong, Barry Wong and Astria Wong. Photo courtesy of Jeff Jenq."
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