NEWYORK: Democratic candidates from Long Island, running for positions of state senator, assembly member, and comptroller, have outlined their strategies for protecting the rights of immigrants, addressing Islamophobia, and tackling rising taxes and inflation.
They have urged voters to elect politicians in this upcoming election who truly know how to represent them.
Prominent figures within the Pakistani-American business and social community in Long Island Shazia Jabeen and Mohammad Azhar hosted a “meet-and-greet” at their residence in honor of Harjot Singh, a candidate for State Senator (District 2), and Jon Estreich, a candidate for Suffolk County Comptroller.
The event began with the American national anthem and a recitation from the Holy Quran.
The Democratic candidates were given a warm welcome upon their arrival.
Host of the event Shazia Jabeen introduced and welcomed the candidates. She said that while Republican candidates, who are otherwise invisible throughout the year, have begun reaching out now that the election campaign is underway, the community must elect individuals who can effectively carry their voices into the legislative chambers.
The event was attended by a large number of people, including both those of Pakistani origin and local Americans.
Candiate for state senator Harjot Singh and a candidate for Suffolk County Comptroller Jon Estreich addressed the participants, raising concerns about various issues such as the challenges faced by immigrants, Islamophobia, rising taxes, and inflation.
They emphasized that these problems can only be resolved if there is genuine representation within legislative bodies, adding that voters have a right to know where and how their tax dollars are being spent.
A candidate for the New York State Assembly Craig Herskowitz and the Democratic candidate for Suffolk County Clerk Abigail Field also shared their views during the ‘meet and greet.’
The speakers stated that they are well-aware of the issues affecting all communities within their respective districts and promised not to disappoint the voters if elected.
During the event, a question-and-answer session took place between the Democratic candidates and the participants.
Democratic representatives, who serve at public office, acknowledged the challenges faced by both citizens and immigrants, and urged voters to support the Democratic candidates.
Earlier, Asma Sheikh and Faiq Siddiqui, representing the Pakistani-American community, also spoke. They were of the view that the future of the younger generation is linked to their active participation in local politics.
Later, Shazia Jabeen expressed her gratitude to all the guests and appealed to the community to ensure the success of their candidates in this election.
