(l-r): John & Roger Chiang
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“We want the Arizona Democratic Party to look like America,” said State Democratic Party Chairman Jim Pederson as he welcomed members of the Asian community to the new state party headquarters on Central and Thomas. The reception was held in honor of Asian American Heritage Month. It featured two prominent Asian American leaders, John Chiang, the highest-ranking Asian American elected official in California; and Roger Chiang, the Director of Outreach for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans for the Democratic National Committee in Washington, D.C.
Chairman Pederson opened the remarks by stating that this is an exciting time for the party, which is making progress toward leveling the playing field. He explained how competition in Arizona politics will benefit everyone by forcing the competitors to bring out their best people and ideas. He invited members of the Asian American community to become active supporting Democratic candidates and participating in local party events.
Roger Chiang pointed out that Arizona is one of ten states in which the Asian American vote could shift the balance of power between the two major parties. He revealed that Republicans hold a much narrower lead over Democrats than most people believe, having only a statewide registration of 43% compared to 37%, with such a close margin, every vote has the potential to shift the balance. He emphasized how the Democrats have been at the forefront of issues important to Asian Americans, such as hate crimes and immigration reform, as well as education, health care and social security.
John Chiang was introduced by Marian Yim, State Delegate to the 2000 convention. As Chair of the Board of Equalization, Mr. Chiang represents a constituency of 8.7 million people--a diverse population greater than the entire population of Arizona. Mr. Chiang offered practical advice about coalition building. He suggested finding common ground with other people in the community and working together toward a goal. He urged each person to share his or her expertise on a subject such as education or health care with people in other communities.
Finally, he paid tribute to his sister, Joyce Chiang, a young attorney for the Immigration and Naturalization Service in Washington D.C., who died tragically. After a promising start to her career in which she implemented significant reforms in the INS, Ms. Chiang suddenly disappeared in January 1999. A few months later her body was found in the Potomac River. (Ms. Chiang lived in the same area as Chandra Levy.) Mr. Chiang’s point was simple. “We only have a limited time to make a difference.”
Chairman Pederson called the reception “One of the most inspirational afternoons I’ve had in a long time.” The event was coordinated by Marian Yim and Janice Brunson, Democratic National Committeewoman. Guest included leaders from the Asian Chamber of Commerce, the Japanese American Citizen’s League, the Japan America Society, the Organization of Chinese Americans and several other organizations. Mr. Pederson and Mr. Chiang toured the Asian Business Expo prior to the event. The Chiangs, who are brothers, were interviewed by a public access TV for Maricopa County, to air some time this summer.
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