A New Era of Engagement: Asian American Advisory Committee Connects with Voters
A newly formed Asian American Advisory Committee hosted its first meet-and-greet event on Oct. 23 in Otisville with the objective of encouraging informed choices in the upcoming fall election.
Several local candidates spoke about their platforms in front of a few dozen Asian American participants at the Mount Hope Senior Center and mingled with the audience afterward over tea and desserts.
“These face-to-face interactions in a party format will help people mingle, ask questions, and make decisions about candidates,” Asian American Advisory Committee founding member Mela Wu told The Epoch Times.
“We should get to know candidates that are running to represent us. That is both our right and responsibility as U.S. citizens,” she added.
Chris Cheng, a member of the advisory committee and Mount Hope resident, told the publication that such interactions were especially valuable for new immigrants from mainland China.
“In China, everything is arranged by the [Chinese Communist] Party,” he said. “So when Chinese people come to the U.S., they are not used to the system, and it is very important to educate them about the right to vote and encourage them to get out to vote for the candidates they like.”
Paul Rickard, the former Mount Hope police chief running for town supervisor this fall, told the publication that he appreciated the opportunity to introduce himself to the local Asian community.
“One of the things that makes Mount Hope great is the diversity that we have in the community,” he said. “It is really important for me to be accessible to them and for them to be accessible to me.”
Other candidates present at the meet-and-greet were Mount Hope town board member and candidate Christopher Furman, Mount Hope town board candidates Keri Lee Carey and Moniysha Maldonado, Middletown City Judge and candidate for Orange County Judge Richard Guertin, and New York Supreme Court candidates John Sarcone and Karen Ostberg.
Audience members listen to speeches during a meet-and-greet event hosted by the Asian American Advisory Committee in Otisville, N.Y., on Oct. 23, 2023. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times)
Tim Sun, a private school teacher living in the nearby Middletown area, told The Epoch Times that events of this kind help people overcome cultural gaps and find shared values.
“I think this event is wonderful, especially at a time when our country is so divided,” he said. “People come from different backgrounds and have different viewpoints—that is all fine, but I believe we have more in common than we are different.”
Otisville Village Mayor Brian Carey, a member and strong supporter of the advisory committee since its inception four months ago, told the publication that they are in the process of creating welcome packages for Asian newcomers.
“My idea is that when someone moves here, they find out about the committee, they come in, and we are going to give them a packet that has all the information they need about the town or the village,” Mr. Carey said.
Ms. Wu said that the package was planned to be in both English and Chinese and that, in the future, the idea might expand into other languages as needed.
Mount Hope town board member and Asian American Advisory Committee liaison Amanda Davis told The Epoch Times that she suggested hosting Chinese lessons for residents interested in learning more about the language and culture.
Ms. Davis added she would personally benefit from such lessons as a significant number of customers at the dairy farm where she works are Asian and that sometimes she had difficulties communicating with them.
Since its formation in June, the Asian American Advisory Committee has hosted monthly meetings at the Mount Hope Senior Center, Ms. Wu said.
How did the presence of candidates like Paul Rickard, Chris Furman, and Christopher Furman at the event demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for the Asian American community
Bers mingle with candidates at the Asian American Advisory Committee’s meet-and-greet event in Otisville. (The Epoch Times)
The Asian American Advisory Committee was established earlier this year to ensure that the voices and concerns of the Asian American community in Otisville are heard and addressed. The committee aims to foster a more inclusive and engaged community, promoting voter awareness and participation among Asian American residents.
According to recent data, the Asian American population in Otisville has been steadily growing over the past decade, making up a significant portion of the community. However, despite their growing numbers, Asian Americans have historically been underrepresented and faced barriers to political engagement.
The meet-and-greet event held by the committee served as an important step in bridging the gap between Asian Americans and local candidates. By providing a platform for face-to-face interactions, the event allowed community members to directly engage with the candidates, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of their platforms and visions for the community.
For new immigrants from mainland China, in particular, such interactions are crucial in familiarizing them with the democratic process and empowering them to exercise their right to vote. Coming from a system where decisions are made by the ruling party, many Chinese immigrants may initially be unfamiliar with the concept of choosing their representatives. The meet-and-greet event helped educate them about their voting rights and encouraged them to participate in the democratic process.
The presence of candidates like Paul Rickard, Chris Furman, and Christopher Furman at the event demonstrates their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Their willingness to engage with the Asian American community shows that they value its contributions and perspectives, and they recognize the importance of representing and serving all residents of Mount Hope.
In addition to local candidates, the event also featured candidates for Middletown City Judge and New York Supreme Court. This broader representation highlights the significance of engaging Asian American voters not only at the local level but also in larger political contexts.
The success of the meet-and-greet event underscores the importance of initiatives like the Asian American Advisory Committee. By promoting community engagement, dialogue, and informed decision-making, the committee plays a vital role in strengthening democracy at the grassroots level.
Looking ahead, the committee plans to organize more events and activities to continue fostering connections between the Asian American community and local candidates. Through these efforts, the committee aims to empower the Asian American population in Otisville, ensuring that their voices are heard and that they play an active role in shaping their community’s future.
The establishment of the Asian American Advisory Committee marks a new era of engagement and inclusivity in Otisville. It serves as a testament to the increasing recognition of the Asian American population’s importance and the commitment to ensuring their full participation in the democratic process.
As Otisville moves forward, initiatives like the Asian American Advisory Committee will be essential in fostering a more representative, diverse, and engaged community where every voice is heard and valued.
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