By Ashwin Ghatalia and Gopal Guthikonda
Advisory Board Members Indian American Coalition of Central Texas
On Saturday, September 21, 2024 we are organizing a candidate forum sponsored by a number of Asian-American organizations, per our tradition of conducting every election cycle.
In consideration of promoting the community for a civic engagement and participation, mainly in the local races where they live and raise their families.
The forum consists of:
a) Travis County candidates
b) City of Austin Council and mayoral candidates
c) Central Texas House of Representatives
d) Williamson County candidates
e) Judiciary Candidates from Travis and Williamson counties
f) board of Trustees from AISD and ACC in that order
Please also note that the majority of central Texas area cities elected their council members in the May 2024 election.
The purpose of this Forum is:
1) to know candidates and their policy platforms and understand the impact to the community,
2) for candidates to understand our vantage point both from the point of view of our community interest and interest in well being of community at-large
The questionnaire we provide to the candidates reflects that dual interest..
Our community now consists of nearly 7.5% of the voters in Travis and Williamson Counties.
We share a strong bonding with many issues of common interest despite coming from different countries of the continent of Asia.
While we share our Asian identity and maintain our own cultural values, it must be understood that we are not a monolithic community in our preferences for the political parties and candidates.
Thus it is up to every individual to know the candidates and exercise their vote with knowledge of issues and candidates.
Morning Coffee and Lunch will be served. These Coffee and Lunch breaks will provide a great opportunity to meet and discuss issues with candidates in person.
Please also encourage attendance and bring our youngsters and youth to the Forum as it provides a great opportunity to learn and see democracy in action.
This may encourage and poke their interest to get involved.
Details of the forum are following:
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Time 9:00 Am - 5:00 pm
Location: Austin Community College
BLDG 2000 - Presentation Hall 1550
6101 Highland Campus Drive
Austin Tx 78752
We request RSVP to enable us to plan morning coffee and Lunch.