Asian-American Community Eager to Meet Election Candidates at AsiaTown Event

by Wayne A. Wong
(Printed in the Erie Chinese Journal)

With election day coming November 5, an estimated 100 members of Cleveland’s Asian-American community attended the 2024 Cleveland Candidate Forum Meet & Greet, held October 12, 2024, at Li Wah Restaurant. This nonpartisan event extended invitations to Democratic, Republican, and Independent candidates in the U.S. Congressional, Ohio Legislature, and local levels. The objective was to provide a venue where the Asian-American community could get to know the candidates and their stance on key issues. To ensure the messaging was understood by the ethnically diverse community, the candidates’ responses to the Q&A were interpreted in both Mandarin and Cantonese.

Seven candidates attended, including four running for the U.S. House of Representatives, District 11: Incumbent Democrat Rep. Shontel Brown, Republican Alan Rapoport, and Independent Sean Freeman for Congress, and District 7: Democrat Matthew Diemer. Two candidates for the Ohio House of Representatives attended, District 13: Democrat Tristan Rader for Ohio, and District 14: Republican David Morgan 4 Ohio House. Additionally, Judge Timothy W. Clary, incumbent for Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, introduced himself.

Voters for Northeast Ohio heard the candidates’ responses to:

1) why they are running for office,

2) what they will do to improve the Ohio economy,

3) their strategy on addressing Healthcare, and

4) their priorities on “Day 1” if they win.

After the formal Q&A presentation, the candidates met with attendees and enjoyed snacks and refreshments.

The Forum was hosted by OCA Greater Cleveland Asian Pacific American Advocates (OCAGC), the Asian American Coalition of Ohio (AACO), Ohio Chinese American Association (OCAA), and Asiatown Cleveland. It was organized by Lisa Wong, President OCAGC; Vincent Wang, Chair AACO and OCAA; and Yumin Yin, President AACO. Partner organizations were Asian Services In Action – ASIA, Asian American Bar Association of Ohio, and Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote). The moderator for the event was Wayne Wong, Executive Vice-President of OCA Greater Cleveland.

Watch the video to get to know your Candidates before you vote!
Share with friends and family that have yet to vote.

To learn more about the hosting organizations, visit:
OCA Greater Cleveland Chapter: https://ocagc.org