CARSON – Filipino and Asian American leaders held two fundraisers over the week, supporting California State Senator Alan Lowenthal’s bid for Congress.
Leaders here say that Lowenthal has not only gone above and beyond representing his constituents, but also the large Filipino-American community.
“I truly believe that he is the best candidate for the job to represent the community,” said Cerritos Councilman Mark Pulido, who was also a former member of Lowenthal’s staff.
“It’s sort of bittersweet because we’re going to lose his leadership on a state level because of term limits, but hopefully he’s going to move on to the next step.”
The 71-year-old Lowenthal, a Democrat, is running for the a seat in the US House of Representatives representing the newly created 47th Congressional District, which covers a large part of Long Beach and West Orange County. Lowenthal faces Long Beach City Councilman Gary De Long, a Republican, in the race.
For the past 29 years, Lowenthal has long been a supporter of the Filipino community, said Pulido.
Lowenthal co-sponsored a bill authored by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma recognizing the role of Filipinos who fought in World War II, voted for the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act, and also the California Filipino Veterans Family Reunification.
“He is aware of our issues,” said Pulido during a fundraiser at HIWA restaurant in Cerritos. “He has gone on record supporting our veterans on a state level and has made it known that he’ll continue to support Filipino veterans and their fights for benefits in a Congressional level.”
“So he’s been right there shoulder to shoulder with our community fighting for jobs and social services for our community,” he added.
Lowenthal is a long-time psychology professor at California State University Long Beach.
Along with supporting bills and legislation for Filipino veterans on a state level, he’s also done a great job helping his constituents in Long Beach, said Pulido.
During his time as a State Assemblyman and Senator, Lowenthal helped construct the new George Deukmejian Courthouse in downtown Long Beach and rebuild the Gerald Desmond Bridge that connects the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.
“Those are just examples of his leadership and his ability create not only jobs to build those projects but more ongoing jobs in this region,” said Pulido.
Despite his age, Lowenthal knows how to get a crowd going. During an eight-minute speech, the New York native spoke to his supporters passionately about his campaign and what he believes he can offer as a US Congressman.
“I’m just committed to my community,” he said to the Asian Journal. “They inspire me … I just keep plugging away and keep doing the things that give value to the people around me and not just them but I always think about the people who are not here – the next generation.”
“My first two goals if elected is to reinvest in America and balance the budget, reduce our deficits,” he added. “We need to make sure we have enough teachers in our schools, police officers on our streets and continue the environmental protections that we have. Those are the first things we have to do. In the long run, the best job developer this country has ever had is having a great educational system you know people who are ready to be the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs and I’m going to fight for that.”
Mark and Gloria Pulido, along with Frank and Wendy Yokoyama hosted the fundraiser for Senator Lowenthal.
source: asianjournal.com
