30 Days of APIs Vote

Althea, APANO Volunteer

I am voting Yes for Measure 97 because I trust teachers more than out-of-state corporations. Teachers want to increase our state’s graduation rate and give Oregon kids an education we can all be proud of. Big corporations often can only care about maximizing profits. I talked to many people door-to-door that believed the misinformation paid for by these corporations. With out-of-state money poured into the campaign, these companies are banking on Oregon families not checking the facts. I’m voting to close the gap in Oregon’s revenue from corporate taxes because I want to see schools get the funding they need and large companies start paying their fair share.

Nick, Civic Engagement Volunteer

One of the ways to make a significant change in our community and our society is by engaging in policies, and understanding their impact in our lives. Affordable housing is a big issue to me, as someone born and raised in Portland. Recently as an interpreter I have been exposed to cases in which Vietnamese families are struggling with housing.  As a result they have to move out of the neighborhood, worrying about where they will live next and how they will meet basic needs. Growing up in poverty, I also know first hand the affects of having to transition to different living situations because of instability. This interrupts learning and the ability to thrive in a stable environment. I’m a huge advocate of Measure 26-179, “Yes for Affordable Homes” – This is real a solution that Portland needs right now, so I vote as a first step in creating change and I’m encouraging others in my community to vote as well.

Lisa, Civic Engagement volunteer

I’m voting because so many Americans in the past have fought for my right to do so. I can’t take it for granted. I also want to have a say in what goes on in our government, as it directly affects myself, members of my API community, and other community members who desperately need change.

Anita, APANO Board Member

I grew up in east Portland, one of the few Chinese-Hawaiian American families in my school. My parents taught me to believe in the power of voting. As soon as I turned 18, I registered to vote and have continued our family’s tradition of civic engagement. Voting gives us a voice to support candidates that represent our values and empowers them to advocate for our communities.   

I’ve spent most of my life in Oregon, raising my two daughters and working in Eugene, Bend and Portland. Having built a diverse set of relationships and witnessed the challenges facing our community, I looked around for role models particularly in the Asian and Pacific Islander community for models of elected leadership. Unfortunately, I found very few. I had become increasingly engaged in civic life, and after graduating from Emerge Oregon, a training program for women interested in elected public service, decided to run for the Portland Community College Board of Directors.

It was a meaningful and difficult campaign. I had the privilege of listening and winning the support of so many voters. Yet I was deeply troubled by the status quo of our political process that included systemic barriers for candidates of color like me. I was able to
secure many endorsements and small contributions, yet more was needed, and unfortunately I did not win in 2015. I know that many in our APANO community are interested in running for public office, yet recognize the power of big money in politics and the value of running on a principled platform accountable to the community.

I’m urging you to take two actions in support of democracy reforms: Let Portland City Council know that you support the Open & Accountable Elections Reform, click here to send a message of support to the Mayor and Commissioners. 

Jennelle, Chinese Parent organizing member

I have three children and have lived in Oregon for 20 years. Over the years, I’ve seen our schools struggle to get adequate funding to pay for necessary things, and to support our students. I work a lot and live off a modest wage, and pay 35% of my income to taxes that fund our schools and other services. The big corporations should be held responsible as well, and they need to starting paying taxes to our state. I know many people in my community who will benefit if we pass Measure 97 especially students learning English, the elders who need assistance, and healthcare that is culturally appropriate and meets our needs.

I am involved as a volunteer because I like to help others, and this is one way we can make Oregon a better place for our children and families. Everybody can get involved in our efforts. I can use my language skills to provide information to my community. Many families just need to know more about Measure 97. This is how we can make long-lasting change in Oregon.

Merrie-Chris

I vote because as a Filipina American, I believe I can influence our political process by supporting the people and policies to make our government better. My voice does matter and I want to see a change in this country. A candidate who does not know their facts or disrespect women physically, emotionally or mentally, is not a good candidate at all. I believe we need to focus on women’s rights, have access to healthcare and end violence against women. This country needs great leaders, especially people of color, who sees the root problems that we face everyday. They also can’t just talk about the issues – they have to do something about them.