Assemblyman Leland Yee: APA Leadership - Now is the Time

In the 2000 census, more than 4.2 million Californians identified themselves as Asian, giving California the largest Asian and Pacific Islander population in all 50 states. For this reason, it is vital that we work together to address our shared needs and interests, continuing to add to the greatness of California. For hundreds of years, immigrants and their families have contributed to our economy, helped build strong communities and become vital members of our society.

Unfortunately, our thriving Asian Pacific American (APA) community has been historically under-represented in state and local government. It is only recently that the numbers of APAs in government have begun to rise. There are currently seven APAs in the state Assembly, including myself: Wilma Chan (D-Oakland); Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park); Shirley Horton (R-Chula Vista); Carol Liu (D-La Canada Flintridge); Alan Nakanishi (R-Lodi); and George Nakano (D-Torrance). There are no APAs in the state Senate.

In San Francisco, we are proud to have individuals of Asian descent, such as District Attorney Kamala Harris and Police Chief Heather Fong, elected to high positions in our city government. Others, such as Congressman Mike Honda and Secretary of Transportation Norm Mineta, have paved the way locally for APAs to serve on school boards, city councils and supervisorial boards.

With your support, on Feb. 10, I proudly became Speaker pro Tempore of the California State Assembly. The role of the Speaker pro Tempore is to lead the 80-member legislative body through the daily agenda of business on the Assembly floor, including debates and votes on legislation, and to serve as an integral member of the speaker's leadership team. I am honored to become the first Asian American to serve in such a prestigious role. I hope to set a precedent for my peers and future generations of Asian Pacific Americans to become leaders in our state and communities.

With Asian and Pacific Islanders among the fastest growing populations in California, it is imperative that we keep pace in terms of political representation. I will do my part in Sacramento to fight cultural insensitivity and encourage APA awareness of, and involvement in, government. I encourage you to do your part by making your voices heard on the issues that affect our community and supporting those candidates who will best meet the diverse needs of our state.

And, please remember to vote on Tuesday, March 2.

Leland Yee is Speaker pro Tempore at the California Assembly.