CHICAGO: Asian Americans for Quinn expressed their huge support to Governor Pat Quinn in his effort to get re-elected as Illinois Governor with a formal launch of a campaign office last week in Skokie, a northwest suburb of Chicago. Skokie and its surrounding villages have one of the largest concentrations of Asian Americans in the State
The office launch had a group of 50 Asian American community leaders getting together and announcing their unequivocal support to Governor Quinn for re-election in November. They also felt, as put by Dr Ram Gajjela, former president of Indo American Democratic Organization (IADO) that there is an urgent need to induce Asian Americans to go out and vote. It is noticed over the past many elections that a great number of eligible voters among Asian Americans are not exercising their franchise and that makes them ineffective so far as advancing their agendas at the legislative level is concerned.
Those attending the campaign office launch agreed that over the coming months they will urge Asian Americans across Illinois to join them in supporting him by going to the voting booths. The Governor was the Chief Guest presiding over the grand opening of the new campaign office in Skokie.
“Illinois is a place of freedom and equal opportunity – where people of all cultures and backgrounds should feel welcome,” Governor Quinn said. “The Asian American community is one of the fastest growing communities in our state, and it’s important we continue to welcome and honor them and make sure they have access to the many opportunities our state offers.”
Members of Asian Americans for Quinn include co-chairs Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar (47th ward); Skokie Village Clerk Pramod Shah; Mundelein Trustee Holly Kim; and IADO President Ashish Sen and former chief Dr Ram Gajjela.
“Governor Quinn has always been dedicated to making Illinois a better place for the people of this state – including the Asian American community,” Alderman Ameya Pawar said. “He is the only candidate in the race that is truly dedicated to supporting the Asian American community. We support him for re-election in November as his leadership will continue to move our state forward.”
EMPLOYMENT ACT
Quinn signed into law the Asian American Employment Plan Act to create stronger representation of the Asian American community in the state workforce and appointed 11 community members to the Asian American Employment Plan Advisory Council. His diverse administration also includes several Asian Americans. He also held several events in recognition of Asian American Heritage Month, including the first-ever reception in the Executive Mansion for the Asian American community.
In his brief address, Dr Gajjela added that Governor Quinn has acquitted himself really well in discharge of his duties as Governor. He inherited bad economy and unenviable legacy from the former ruler, but he tried to repair the economy and it has shown good sign of improvement.
Besides, he has addressed health issues effectively and is also paying special attention to education, especially higher education and technical education. Another good point about this Governor, he said, is that he is a common man person. “His doors are always open for any one to come in with a problem. He is amiable,” Gajjela said amidst applause.
Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service
