Search the Internet          Tips

Indian American campaign manager for Chicago judge

Judge Sandra Otaka of the circuit court of Cook county, Illinois, has chosen an Indian American to be her campaign manager.

Otaka, who is the first Asian American to serve as a full circuit court judge in Cook county, is seeking election for the ninth judicial sub-circuit seat.

Otaka's campaign manager is Dr Ann Kalayil, former president of the Indo-American Democratic Organisation and treasurer of the Asian Pacific American Caucus in the Democratic Party.

Kalayil said she became Otaka's manager because of "her involvement in the Pan Asian community".

"She has worked on a number of issues affecting the Indian community including the issue of discrimination against foreign medical graduates."

Kalayil said, "Otaka has been involved with the IADO for several years and has been instrumental in the election of Rena Van Tine (an Indian American) to the post of associate judge of Cook county."

"If she wins it would be a tremendous accomplishment for the Indian community."

According to an official of the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago area, nearly five per cent of Cook county residents are Asian Americans and nearly three per cent of lawyers are Asian American.

Yet, Asian Americans represent a mere 0.3 per cent of the 386 Cook county judges.

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report