"United Today For A Stronger Tomorrow"

2006 KAVA Convention was held at the Christian Faith Center in DesMoines, Washington on October 9. About 1,200 people attended this event including many elected officials and candidates. US Senator Patty Murray was the keynote speaker and Mary Nam, anchor of KOMO 4 News, was the emcee.

The Washington Korean Music Association opened the evening with solo performances by SooJin Lee Torrigiotti, Choi Chang Soo, and Han Hea-Sook. The Morning Star Dance Troupe followed with their signature Drum Dance. It was followed by an invocation by Rev. James Kwon and the national anthem by the Tacoma Church Choir.

After Mary Nam recognized elected and appointed officials present, welcome remarks were given by KAVA President, Shari Song and KAVA Advisory Board Chair, Joseph Hong. Then a spectacular "Korean Americans of Washington State" video produced in cooperation with KOAM TV was shared.

Senator Paull Shin introduced key note speaker, Senator Murray. Senator Murray spoke of her humble beginnings and her path to political involvement. She introduced herself as an ordinary mother and ordinary person like all of us. She said that she started knocking the door to doors and calling friends, neighbors, and start networking connection to become a senator. She is now serving her third term in the US Senate.

Senator Murray emphasized the importance of education and that we need to work hard to save local schools from budget cuts. She assured that she will continue to work on resolving the transportation problems facing Washington State. She also addressed the issues of trade in a global market and homeland security.

After the keynote address, Democratic Candidate US Senator Maria Cantwell introduced herself and answered questions. Her opponent Mike McGavick was unable to attend due to a conflict.

Senator Cantwell discussed Washington's economy and said we need to continue to create jobs by supporting longtime state industries such as aerospace, trade, and agriculture, and by cultivating new ones, such as software and biotechnology. She stated that her priority is improving Washington State's economy. She is strong on energy and environmental issues in the Senate, leading the fight to protect our public national forests with the Roadless Rule. She supports a woman's right to choose and has fought for better educational opportunities for children nationwide. She also pointed out that she is working hard for the quality health care.

Continuing the candidates Forum were congressional candidates from districts 1, 7, 8 and 9. It was a great opportunity to lear about their issues and get answers to some timely questions. Almost all the candidates expressed concern about national education, health care, and homeland security issues.

DISTRICT #8 Democratic Candidate, Darcy Burner said she will support funding for early childhood education, smaller class sizes, and making college more affordable for working families. Darcy supports our troops and veterans. Darcy will fight to make sure veterans get the benefits they've been promised and that our National Guard gets the health care they deserve. Republican Candidate Dave Reichert was unable to attend.

DISTRICT #1 Democratic Candidate, Jay Inslee explained his New Apollo Energy Act which will explore new technologies that will break addiction to foreign oil, create millions of jobs, and addressed the threat of global warming. He supported health care for veterans and increased pay for military personnel. He supports implementing the recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission and have fought for funding to protect Washington's ferries.

DISTRICT #1 Republican Candidate, Larry W. Ishmael is challenging the global competitiveness of the school system. He would like to develop and maintain a strong foreign policy to increase standing in the international community. He would like to work to secure our ports and borders. As an environmentalist, he wants to achieve huge reductions in greenhouse gases throughout the Americas.

DISTRICT #7 Republican Candidate, Steve Beren emphasized that the threat of terrorism is real, that terrorists are seeking nuclear weapons, endangering our nation, disregarding human rights, oppressing women, and opposing democracy. He says that he will support National defense and homeland security policies.

DISTRICT #7 Democratic Candidate, Jim McDermott supports open trade policies that are respectful of the rights of workers and of the global environment. He said he supports a national universal health care system that is fair, affordable, simple and efficient.

DISTRICT #9 Democratic Candidate, Adam Smith said he will fight for affordable health care, quality public education, and a clean environment. He will also support strong national security. Smith believes that America faces new threats at home and abroad from terrorism, and he will continue to use his position on the House International Relations and Armed Services Committees to form a foreign policy that engages our allies while ensuring our troops have the resources they need.

DISTRICT #9, Republican Candidate, Steven C. Cofchin will do everything to insure our military is strong and well equipped to protect our nation, including keeping the promises made to the veterans. He believes that a smaller government is better. Steven Cofchin is committed to making it easier for individuals to start a business, run a business, or hire employees.

After the forum, the audience witnessed an historic moment when the Korean American Coalition (KAC) President, Charles J. Kim announced that The Korean American Voters Alliance will now be the Korean American Coalition - Washington State. He and Young Suenram from KAC-Alaska presented Shari Song and Joseph Hong with an official plaque. Shari Song stated that KAC-WA was proud to be the fifteenth chapter of the National KAC.

Overall, the 2006 KAVA convention was very successful and was well attended. It was a positive boost for the local Korean American community and quite an educational experience in preparation for the upcoming Nov 7 elections.

Reported by Sandr Englund, October 22nd, 2006