November 4, 2004

Iranian-American community gets political

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

Iranian-American community members have been actively working to educate friends, families, and businesses on the importance of the Nov. 2 election. A recent informal dinner party provided exclusive access to District 21 State Assembly candidate Steve Poizner, along with voter registration assistance and authentic Iranian fare.

The evening had all the flair of a true grassroots effort, complete with personal introductions, a campaign speech, and one-on-one conversations—unfamiliar territory for a community dispirited by inequitable politics in their homeland.

Hosted by Matt and Faranak Kamkar, the tiered landing that opened into their warmly lit living room provided a cozy setting for cocktails and campaign chatter, as Poizner fielded questions and suggestions from community members. The effort was part of Kamkar’s ongoing quest—after a history of tainted Iranian elections—to get his community re-involved in the political process.

“This is something they have to take an active part in,” he said. “We can no longer say it’s rigged and our vote doesn’t count anyway. It does count and if you don’t vote, then you can’t complain.”

Kamkar had aspirations to run for the City Council seat last March, but opted out after meeting with Rich De La Rosa. Instead, he focused his efforts on educating his community and encouraging them to get involved. He has actively endorsed De La Rosa and saw the dinner party as an opportunity to “personalize” another candidate he fancied, by taking Poizner out of the television commercials and introducing the community to his “independent and enthusiastic” nature.

“I’ve been to many of his campaign stops, and his answers all make sense,” Kamkar explained. “They’re not your standard party answers. He’s shown to be independent and I think that’s why we need him.”

Family members from both campaigns reflected on their whirlwind experiences with more intimate perspectives.

“I think he could really help this area,” observed Poizner’s daughter Rebecca, who confessed that all the attention has been a little “weird.” She has since learned to take campaign commercial teasing from her friends on the chin.

“I think he’s doing real well,” added his wife Carol. “I’m very proud of him.”

Almost as well known on the De La Rosa campaign trail is his wife Misty, who has remained committed to weekend visits throughout District 10 in the family motor home.

“We’re almost down to the wire,” she exclaimed. “It’s been a lot of work, but nice to meet a so many people.

They ask a lot of questions—it’s amazing how many just don’t know about the candidates or the issues, so it’s been fun to talk to them.”

As executive director for the Bay Area Iranian Voters Association, Niloufar Noun has worked diligently with the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization to encourage Iranian-Americans to register and vote. With careers in virtually every field, they have been highly educated and continue to be successful in the U.S. However, Iranian elections, which she said typically offered little in the way of choice, instead steered the populace into overall political disdain—an attitude that has kept many away from the polls.

“This is exactly what Iranian-Americans need to be more involved in,” she said. “We are here just to encourage them to register and vote, because we want to have a voice—one way to show the lawmakers how many we are,” she added. “We can use that voice to change our fate here.”

As the evening wound down, guests helped themselves to Poizner campaign literature, yard signs, and buttons, along with a spark of renewed optimism.

“This was very good,” admitted Iranian-American Chamber of Commerce board member Sima Zokaei. “He got my vote. We definitely need a change and especially with the economy, it’s nice to see a new face with new ideas.”

“This is a very critical year for federal, state, and local issues,” Kamkar added. “In the past, we learned to stay away from politics, but here in our new home, we need to understand the rules and play by those rules. It is critical that we all vote—especially at this juncture in our history.”

Even Mori Tajaly, co-founder of the Bay Area Iranian Democrats seemed impressed with Poizner, and reminded him to remember the Iranian community.

“If you are elected, remember tonight had something to do with that election,” he asserted. “And we will come to you with our requests to work with you.”

“I hear you,” Poizner replied. “Loud and clear.” Unfortunately Poizner lost the election on Nov. 2 and De La Rosa’s political fate was undecided at press time.