Questions By Asian American Resource Center

This is a question that recurs every election cycle. Asian Americans are the fastest growing community, comprising nearly 7% of the Greater Austin population. However, Asian Americans are underrepresented on boards, commissions and committees addressing issues and policies pertaining to the city, the county or the state, though some improvements have taken place in the past 2-3 years. To address this disparity, what steps do you plan to take to nominate additional Asian-Americans to serve on boards, commissions and committees?

The City of Austin and Travis County have a goal of reflecting the ethnic diversity of the community they serve; however, less than 1% of city or county executives are Asian Americans. Do you commit to greater representation of Asian-Americans in government by increasing hiring, training and promoting of qualified Asian-Americans?

The City of Austin and Travis County have a goal of reflecting the ethnic diversity of the community they serve; however, less than 1% of city or county executives are Asian Americans. Will you regularly monitor the numbers of employed Asian Americans in diversity reports, and can you describe how you could help to close the gap when necessary? And would you consider meeting with Asian American leaders to review progress in this area?

The City of Austin and Travis County have a goal of reflecting the ethnic diversity of the community they serve; however, less than 1% of city or county executives are Asian Americans. Will you implement checks and balances, and review procedures to correct any inconsistencies or unfair treatment of Asian Americans in the workforce, including problems that may arise from a lack of understanding of cultural differences?

The internship program instituted by APAPA and IACT is proving to be a success story in promoting greater participation and interest in elected offices in the city, county and state- level among Asian American youth,. Would you agree to support greater internship opportunities at your office for Asian American HS / college-level youth?

How familiar are you with the culture and diversity of Asian Americans here, and what steps do you plan to take to enhance your understanding and to stay abreast of issues that are important to Asian Americans?

Asian-Americans are eager to ensure that economic development will benefit all citizens in the city, county and state level, including M/WBE, HUB and affirmative action programs. Do you commit to regular communications with the Network of Asian American Organizations (NAAO) and to actively seek input in addressing these issues?

Asian-Americans are eager to ensure that economic development will benefit all citizens in the city, county and state level, including M/WBE, HUB and affirmative action programs. Do you commit to supporting these programs?

The Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce is a key organization supporting Asian American businesses in Austin and in their outreach to Asian countries as evidenced by their support of the mayor’s recent trip to Asia. Do you agree to continue your support for the GAACC at or above current levels in the coming years if elected / re-elected to the City Council?

The Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce is a key organization supporting Asian American businesses in Austin and in their outreach to Asian countries as evidenced by their support of the mayor’s recent trip to Asia. Do you agree to work with GAACC at the city or county level to promote economic development of the city at large and Asian American businesses?

As Austin grows in size, stature and economic strength, sustainability becomes a topic of ever- increasing emphasis to all Austinites: How do you plan to involve the Asian American community, individiduals and businesses alike, to ensure that their ideas and interests are part of the solution going forward?

As Austin grows in size, stature and economic strength, sustainability becomes a topic of ever- increasing emphasis to all Austinites: Would you consider appointing Asian Americans to any commission or task force directed at creating strategies for the future in this area?

Mental health is often cited as a root cause, so what do you plan to propose to address this issue? The plight of individuals covered under DACA is precarious and uncertain with no certainty of a solution in the near future: Please describe what steps you envision that you plan to take, if any, that includes the needs of Asian Americans and those from other countries who are caught in the DACA trap.

The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) opened in 2013, thanks to the vision and hard work of the city and Asian American community leaders. Its charter is to promote cultural enrichment, provide social services and expand educational development for the entire community in the city and county. The Asian American community has worked with city management in developing culturally significant programs at the AARC and together, we have made AARC the most sought after city-owned facility in Austin. We are now re-starting our work to update the Master Plan on Phases II and III. The City has also completed a task force (Bond Election Advisory Task Force) that has recommended some funds for this effort: but it is not deemed to be sufficient. Do you commit to work with the Asian American community to include requested funds in the 2018 bond and to promote further the development of the AARC?

The Asian American community is extraordinarily diverse. Many recent Asian American immigrants who have come to this region to build new lives and participate in the American Dream require assistance in understanding the services provided by city, the county and the state, as well as local laws, disaster preparation and emergency response. In other parts of the country, including the District of Columbia, New York City, Salt Lake City and Quincy, MA, they have appointed dedicated staff to assist Asian American communities. Are you in favor of appointing dedicated staff to address the needs of the Asian American community at the city, county and state level?

The Asian American community is extraordinarily diverse. Many recent Asian American immigrants who have come to this region to build new lives and participate in the American Dream require assistance in understanding the services provided by city, the county and the state, as well as local laws, disaster preparation and emergency response. In other parts of the country, including the District of Columbia, New York City, Salt Lake City and Quincy, MA, they have appointed dedicated staff to assist Asian American communities. Are you in support for translation support for key city / county / state documents to assist these immigrants in selected languages with the greatest reach into these communities?

Transportation problems affect all Austinites including Asian Americans who use the busy / clogged roads and highways and those who need mass transportation to address their mobility needs. The mayor and his staff have reached out to the Asian American community to seek their participation, feedback and support in solving mobility issues starting with the upcoming bond election: Will you commit to working with the Asian American community to include their needs as part of a solution that satisfies the needs of all Austinites now and in the future?