One on One Interview with Mr. Ed Chau

Bryant Irawan /Indonesia Media

Mr. Ed Chau (D), an immigrant from Hong Kong, is currently running for Congress to represent the 42nd District. He recently won the Democratic Primary (on 6/3/08) and is preparing for the official election date in November 4, 2008 against Rep. Gary Miller (R).

Mr. Ed Chau’s Biography:
Ed Chau was first elected to the Montebello Unified School District Board of Education in 1999 (with the highest votes) and re-elected in 2001 and 2005. He has served as the President (twice) and Vice-President on the School Board. The School District is the third largest in Los Angeles County. Ed ran for the School Board to make a difference and to promote quality education for our children’s future. Toward that end, he advocates for academic excellence, school safety, fiscal accountability, parental involvement, post-secondary and vocational education, technology, and community partnerships.

In 2004, Ed helped to pass a $98 million school bond that enabled the District to receive an additional $73 million in state matching funds to help relieve overcrowding, make repairs, and finance renovation for many of the aging schools. His many efforts have been recognized with the “Man of the Year” award by the Rio Hondo Boys and Girls Club in 2002; Ed was the recipient of the Montebello Council PTA Award in 29004. In 2007, Ed also received the Congressional Recognition of Excellence in Service from Congresswoman Grace Napolitano. Prior to his election to the School Board, Ed served in various capacities for the city of Montebello, including the Budget Committee, Investment Committee, Traffic and Safety Commission, and the Civil Service Commission.  

Ed Chau has been the principal attorney for his law firm for the past 14 years; his areas of practice include commercial transactions, litigation, corporation, real estate, immigration, landlord and tenant law. In his law practice, Ed frequently represents a small business owners and low-income clients. He firmly believes that attorneys have an obligation to society to make it a better place to live, and all persons should be treated equally under the law. Since 2001, Ed has also been volunteering his time to serve as a Judge Pro Tem for the Los Angeles Superior Court, adjudicating small claim and civil cases. In that role, Ed conducts court hearings and helps resolve disputes applying the law. After completing law school, Ed clerked for the LA City Attorney’s Office, working in its Consumer Protection Section, Criminal Division.

Ed became interested in public service early on. While attending High School, he worked part-time for the Department of Public Social Services, assisting low income families with SSI, AFDC and Medi-Cal benefits. He did volunteer work at the Chinatown Service Center, assisting new immigrants, and low income families. Ed also volunteered part-time as a Broadcaster for a non-profit radio station, and later as a volunteer attorney at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center. Ed is married to Candice and they have one daughter, Caitlyn, who is being raised in Los Angeles County.

Q: What was it that inspired you to run for office?
A: In high school, I started to get involved in public service because I enjoy serving the public a great deal. After graduating from USC, I started to get involved in local politics and in 1999, I was elected to be in the school board with the highest number of votes. I received a good education and I wanted to share it with others, but I also had to look at the broad picture. I understand that public service is more than education so I decided to run for congress. The other factor is that I started to notice our country was heading in the wrong direction. (ie. We started a war without proper justification; We tried to bypass the Geneva convention on torture).

Q: If elected, what plans do you have specifically regarding the Indonesian or Asian-Pacific communities?
A: One of the things I can do after I am elected is to increase and enhance the communication channel between the government and the Indonesian community. At the federal level, there might be a lot of legislation or laws that might be unknown to the community. I want to make information available to the community. In addition, if the community has any particular issues that they want to bring to the federal level, I will be very happy to address the issues as well. I also want to help the young generation to get involved in politics. I believe it is beneficial to have the young generation’s voice at the table and for them to learn everything they need to learn about politics. If I get into office, I welcome all youngsters to apply for internship in my office. 
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For more information about Mr. Ed Chau, visit www.EdChau.com
*The 42nd District encompasses Diamond Bar, Rowland Heights, La Habra Heights, Whittier, Anaheim, Brea, La Habra, Mission Viejo, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, Yorba Linda, Chino, and Chino Hills.