The Indian American Forum for Political Education (IAFPE) in cooperation with League of Women Voters (LWV) organized a workshop on Running for Political Office: What it Takes on February 28 at the Weston Public Library.

Madhu Sridhar, President of LMV, gave the opening remarks. LMV was formed about 80 years ago with the mission of activating, informing, and educating women on citizenship and lobbying on public policy issues. It is a non-partisan, grass-root organization. “Citizens are guardians of democracy and it is important that we participate and involve ourselves” said Sridhar. "Massachusetts is second worst in the nation in terms of the races contested."

Vanita Shastri, President of IAFPE-NE, talked about the goals of the workshop, which included various issues that one needs to consider and work on when running for office.

Pat Costello, Director of LVM Diversity Committee and Member, Town Committee in Lexington encourahed active involvement of citizens in town politics. "If you have ever have a problem with trash, the State of the schools, or roads and you wished someone would do something about it, that someone is you!" said Costella. Pat talked about the difference between towns and cities and elected and appointed positions. He encouraged everyone to obtain the list of town meetings, attend them so we are aware of the current issues, the people involved, their views and who to lobby on a given issue. Costello found that even though it was very time consuming to be active in town politics, it was very satisfying knowing that she was giving back to the community.

Pat Facey of Cohasett and LMV Hingham started her career as the first woman in 200 years to be appointed on the town Finance Committee. She talked about the need for self-assessment in terms of time commitment and buy-in from the family before embarking on a political career. Even though one might want to change things, it is important to know the limits, as the board is bound by the state, town and federal bylaws. According to Pat, it is important that one approves projects objectively, not just based on personal views. "In addition, it is important to be able to work with other board members, take criticism from the press/citizens (work with board, don’t go on your own), go out into the community to campaign, listen, ask and know the concerns of the citizens" said Facey.

Donna Hooper, Town Clerk of Lexington, discussed the process of running for office. Once you have decided to run for the office, it is important to file nomination papers within the time deadlines (a certain number of days from the day of elections), after collecting the required, accurate and verifiable signatures.

Latha Mangipudi, Member, Board of Education, New Hampshire, realised her aspirations first as the President of PTO before running for the Board of Education. She is currently serving her 3rd term. "Serving on the Board has been the most rewarding experience for me knowing that every decision of hers affects 13,000 youngsters and their future" said Mangipudi. As 80% of Nashua’s budget is for the schools and only 30% of the residents have school age kids, it is inevitable that she has to spend considerable time convincing the citizens of her needs and vision.

Finally, Ramesh Advani, Selectman, Norfolk, MA, who has been involved in town politics for the past 15 years, discussed his experiences. “None of us have enough time to do everything we want to do and as such it is important to prioritize,” said Advani. "You can’t do it alone and as such it is important to work with people who share your vision and whom you are comfortable working with".

Overall, it was a very informative session and it was the hope of the organizers that this will inspire a few to run for political office in the near future.

Lokvani would like to congratulate the following who participated and won the elections around the country.

Anjali Lathi (Calif.), Union Sanitary District, Ward 3 (Fremont, CA) (4-year term), WON with 64.8% (13,483) of the vote.

Indar Singh (Texas), El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 (Division 1) Board Member, WON with 68 % (2,438) of the vote.