Tri Ta of Westminster, Ca is the nation’s first Vietnamese American elected mayor in the nation. He told CAFwd.org the significance of that milestone is something he acknowledges.
“I recognize I am the first Vietnamese American mayor, that’s why there will be a lot more responsibility on my shoulders but at the same time I’m a really fair person. I’m here to help everyone, every community in my city,” Ta said.
Westminster is the home to the largest Vietnamese American neighborhood outside of Vietnam. It’s also the first in the country to have a Vietnamese American majority on the city council.
Ta would welcome a new wave of Asian Americans entering politics.
“I believe there will be more Asian candidates in the future at the state and local levels. As I was elected the first Vietnamese American mayor last November, it will encourage another generation of Asian Americans to participate more in the political system.”