On September 30, 2024, the Arab American Civic Council co-hosted a mayoral candidates forum in Irvine, gathering the city’s mayoral hopefuls to discuss critical issues impacting the community. The candidates, including Vice Mayor Larry Agran, Akshat Bhatia, Dr. Lee Sun, and Ron Scolesdang, shared their views on pressing topics such as combating anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate, promoting transparency, ensuring free speech, and addressing discrimination in schools.
The event was co-hosted by Yalla Indivisible, CAIR-LA, and Jewish Voice for Peace OC. All candidates were invited to participate.
Combating Hate and Promoting Tolerance
The forum opened with a focus on anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate incidents, an ongoing concern in Irvine and the broader region. Dr. Sun highlighted his experience leading the Asian American Advocacy Alliance during the pandemic, noting that education through events and conferences was crucial to combating hate. He advocated for improved city-wide systems to track hate crimes while protecting privacy. Sun’s call for better collaboration between city management and law enforcement was key in ensuring these systems function effectively.
Mr. Bhatia emphasized love, respect, and unity among residents. He advocated for strong messaging and severe punishments for hate crimes to set an example, making it clear that Irvine would not tolerate discrimination of any kind. Larry Agran echoed this sentiment, referring to Irvine as a “diverse and integrated experiment in peaceful coexistence.” While praising the city’s efforts thus far, Agran acknowledged more work was needed to foster respect and positive relationships among its residents.
Ron Scolesdang offered a reflective take on inequality and the need for education and cultural immersion. He also criticized the media for its portrayal of Muslims and advocated for more cultural events to foster understanding.
Community Engagement and Transparency
The candidates expressed a shared commitment to increasing transparency and improving community engagement. Agran proposed a “Moment with the Mayor,” a weekly hour-long session for residents to voice concerns directly to the mayor. This initiative would foster open communication and trust between the mayor’s office and the community. Bhatia supported greater transparency and suggested incorporating lobbying as part of the process to create a more open and inclusive governance structure.
Sun criticized the reliance on public comments at city hall meetings, arguing for a more responsive system where citizens’ concerns are acknowledged and acted upon. He suggested that the city should engage in outreach efforts to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. Scolesdang championed personal transparency and advocated for more direct engagement with residents, urging leaders to meet people one-on-one to understand their issues fully.
Addressing Discrimination in Schools
Discrimination in Irvine schools, particularly against Muslim students, was another major issue raised during the forum. Bhatia proposed fostering open dialogues between parents and schools and creating a hotline for reporting discriminatory incidents. He emphasized that students should not be criminalized for raising concerns.
Agran referred to a motion he had introduced, proposing a city council initiative to deploy staff and officers to promote peace and collaboration among different communities, including Muslims and Jews. Scolesdang praised individuals who spoke up against discrimination and called for regular one-on-one meetings with educators to ensure they are aware of and addressing these issues. Sun supported Agran’s motion and advocated for greater collaboration between the schools and police, pointing out that Irvine Unified School District has the power to influence schools through funding and diversity programs.
The forum highlighted the candidates’ commitment to tackling discrimination, promoting transparency, and supporting the rights of residents, particularly in the face of rising hate crimes. As the city of Irvine looks to its next mayor, it is clear that issues of hate, transparency, and inclusion will be at the forefront of the election. The Arab American Civic Council’s forum provided a critical platform for these important discussions, reflecting the concerns of a diverse and engaged community.
