Candidates meet Feb. 22 at the Islamic Center of Naperville
The Political Engagement & Outreach Committee of Islamic Center of Naperville hosted a program and meet-and-greet with candidates on Saturday, Feb. 22. It featured a dialogue between candidates running for office and the constituents. The candidates are running for county-, state- and federal-level offices.
The Islamic Center of Naperville was formed in 1991 is a nonprofit organization that provides religious services, programs for the youth and adults. It also promotes educational, social, cultural values and interfaith outreach within the surrounding communities and cities.
The program was started right after evening prayers. The event was emceed by Maria Muzaffar.
Shoaib Khadri, president of ICN, said, "This event is an instrumental value to our community and the goal of the program was to understand a political candidate's position on local and federal matters that are of interest to their Muslim faith, family, and freedom."
The event was well attended by more than 30 candidates and about 400 community members.
The ICN community is diverse in terms of their ethnic composition, national origin and professions. There are a significant number of families from South Asia, the Middle East, and other parts of the globe. In the past couple of decades, the Asian communities have become indispensable to the success of our nation because of their high-levels of education, skills and commitment to achieving the American dream.
The Islamic Center of Naperville thanks all candidates who are running for office for joining our community to share their views.
Every candidate came up to the podium one by one and shared their political views and agenda. At the end, the emcee asked questions about common issues. Attendees had an opportunity to hear each candidate speak for a few minutes and ask questions on the spot.
Candidates who attended were: Jeff Jacobson, Bill White, Azam Nizamuddin, Rachel Ventura, Bill Foster, Krishna Bansal, Sean Casten, Anthony Catella, Gordon Kinzler, Michael Crowner, Karina Villa, Jeanette Ward, Denika McMillen, Jill Otte, David Stevens, Anne Celine Walsh, Chris Kachiroubas, Ron Almiron, Amy Chavez, Kevin Coyne, Paula Deacon Garcia, Mary jo Mullen, Inam Hussain and others.
Naperville attendee, Khan said about this event, "Today forum was very important for us because we get many ideas on their Public policies, they will be representing our community if they are elected to serve.
Mediterranean cuisine served to everyone also served snacks to delicious desserts with tea.
The Illinois Primary will be held on Tuesday, March 17. Election Day is Nov. 3.