nwasianweekly.com
Feb. 4, 2006

The people will propel Asian candidates

What was your reaction when the Seattle City Council decided to appoint someone who is not a person of color to the open seat? Were you upset? Bewildered? Disappointed?

With a five-in-six chance, it seemed highly likely in the week leading up to the decision that a person of color would get the nod. It was exciting to think that the city’s first Latina or Japanese American council member could come out of this process.

The job instead went to Sally Clark, a Caucasian woman who is part of the executive team of Lifelong AIDS Alliance and a well-regarded legislative aide to former City Councilwoman Tina Podlodowski. A lesbian, Clark herself is part of a minority group. She also helps create more balance in the council in terms of gender and age. There were only two women before she was appointed, and at 39, she is by far the youngest council member.

However, we understand and sympathize with Asian Americans and other people of color who think the council made the wrong choice. As constituents, we want to see a council that is reflective of the city’s racial and ethnic diversity. If we ever have to approach the council with concerns and suggestions, we want to know that we will be understood and listened to. In other words, we want a council with which we can identify.

But we think it would be a waste of this community’s time and energy to stew and be angry over this appointment. The truth is, Asian American political hopefuls have historically been passed over in processes such as this one. But when they go to the people, that’s when they win. Just look at Jan Kumasaka and Cheryl Chow: Neither were endorsed by the daily newspapers when they ran for Seattle School Board, but they won anyway, thanks to the community. Asians may not be the first choice among the powers-that-be, but it’s clear the people want to give us leadership positions. Again and again, the Asian community has proven itself to be formidable at getting candidates elected. We have the right connections, we know how to plan and strategize, and we identify, nurture and groom our own people to become viable candidates.

Gary Locke is another good example. Locke wasn’t former Gov. Booth Gardner’s choice to be his successor; Mike Lowry was, and he eventually won the election in 1992. But four years later, Locke threw his hat in the ring and the rest, as they say, is history. His victory was due in no small part to the Asian community’s efforts.

We congratulate all of the finalists for getting so far in the process. The three Asian Americans in the final group — Dolores Sibonga, Stella Chao and Sharon Maeda — are a testament to the deep talent and knowledge in our community.

The new council member will serve for only 10 months before having to run for office. Those 10 months will fly by. Now is the time to organize in preparation for that election. It’s gratifying to know that at least one of the finalists, Maeda, has expressed her intent to run in a future election. If Maeda doesn’t run this fall, another Asian American might.

The fight isn’t over. In fact, it’s just beginning.

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Northwest Asian Weekly • P.O. Box 3468 • Seattle • WA  98114
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