Political Clout of Asians in Politics
In response to “Peninsula’s Asians Slow to Turn Numbers into Clout” by Tim Waters (Times, Aug. 26), I would like to point out that the “Asian political clout” should not be judged in the traditional way by the number of elected officers on the peninsula.
As pointed out in the article, the existence of the cultural and language barriers among Asians, especially the first generation, prevent the Asians from seeking political positions. (Participation in) the political process is the most accurate indicator of Asian political clout.
The Chinese American Assn. of Southern California, formerly the South Bay Chinese American Assn., has been actively involved in the grass-roots political process since 1983 through voter registration, support and endorsement of local candidates, and promotion of cultural awareness in the community.
In the past, two of our board members served as members of the (Rancho Palos Verdes) Fiscal Financial Advisory Committee and (Palos Verdes) Transit Committee. Currently, several members are playing important roles in the Peninsula Republican Women Federated, (Palos Verdes) Multicultural Committee and Golden Cove Chinese New Year Celebration Committee. Their individual efforts, including co-chairing many fund-raisers, reach to the California state and presidential election campaigns. As a result, one of our board members was recently appointed by President Bush to the Small Business Administration National Advisory Council.
WILLIE CHEN
President
Chinese American Assn.
of Southern California
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