Fellow Chicago Malayalees,
It is certainly a delight to see the overwhelming support Mr. Kevin Olickal is getting from the Chicago Indian community in his quest for a political office as IL State Representative from the 16th District.
Most of the social, cultural, professional and community organizations have come out in support of his candidacy and are actively involved in his campaign. In fact, the community has wholeheartedly embraced his campaign and are eager to have a representative of our own in the Illinois Legislative Assembly.
Candidate Kevin is tirelessly working to make history in his maiden attempt for a political office. He has a good understanding about the challenges ahead and expectations of the community. He is humble, friendly and treats everyone with utmost respect. Public office for him may be just perpetuation of a family heritage of public services.
Win or lose, Kevin’s candidacy has created a great deal of interest among our children here towards American Politics which will certainly pave way for many of them to seek political offices at the village, city, county, state and even federal level sooner or later.
We only have one more week left before the Primary Elections. A win in the Primary will almost guarantee a victory for Kevin in the general elections in November. If that happens, he will be making history and we all can legitimately be proud as part of that history.
There are several reasons for us to do everything in our command to ensure his victory. Proximity and the ease to share our individual and collective political and social concerns with an elected official is primary among them. In fact, he has firsthand knowledge about our political, social, cultural economic and security concerns and expectations.
First, second and even some third generation Indian immigrants have retired or are on the verge of retirement. Most of them depends on Social Security and Medicare for their survival. The decisions our political leaders make at the State and Federal level will have a direct bearing on our lives and that of our children and grandchildren.
Providing the best higher education for our children is a priority for most Indian parents and we should be feel very proud of our children’s academic achievements. However, college education is becoming prohibitively expensive for most middle and low income Americans. Policies adopted by the federal and state governments regarding educational scholarships, financial aid and low interest student loans makes a big difference in meeting the academic expectations of our children. Kevin could be our voice at the Illinois Legislature when the state’s educational policies are being deliberated and adopted.
The ever increasing crime in American cities is becoming a big concern for all, more so for communities like ours. We are a community of law abiding and peace loving people. We cause no problems or inconveniences in our neighborhoods, or for that matter in the nation as a whole. Though unfortunately we have several bitter experiences of being the victims of violence in America. Justice was deliberately denied in most such incidents. Many of us have fears that money, power and political influence play a role even in American justice system. We need someone to echo our concerns and fears with the authorities for a fair and equitable justice system.
Steep increases in property taxes is a big concern for most of us, especially our senior citizens. Kevin seems to be well aware of those concerns and we can legitimately hope that he will work to make our tax system fair.
Health care is a big concern for most low income Americans as well. We know the plight of many in our community including family members who lack health care coverage. Illinois is a better place now for most of them.
We need a representative who will keep it that way. Kevin can be trusted in this regard.
There are several other reasons for us to have a politician who is well aware of the concerns, expectations and aspirations of the community. Only one who has witnessed it from our midst can guess the magnitude of it. Let us entrust Kevin with this challenging task while we work and pray for his success.
Respectfully,
Jose Kalliduckil
Chicago
