Faith Group Wants Commitment from Hawaii Political Candidates

KHON Channel 2 News
July 29, 2010

Faith Group Wants Commitment from Hawaii Political Candidates
Reported by: Brianne Randle
Email: brandle@khon2.com

Faith Action for Community Equity also known as “FACE” called on the who’s who of the upcoming 2010 elections. Candidates for the city and state’s top jobs.

“What FACE is fighting for is a safe and decent place for families to live in,” said Chrisy MacPherson, FACE Oahu.

400-plus FACE leaders presented the candidates with a list of concerns they want those running for office to address.

“Homelessness, furloughs, education these are issues affecting our members,” says Clementina Ceria-Ulep, FACE Oahu Co-President.

“Very important to let them know what we want,” says Van Tores, FACE member.

“So much is at stake everyone understands these issues are real,” says David Goldberg, FACE member.

The candidates were then asked if elected would they tackle these issues in office and attend a FACE Equity Summit.

“Usually get them in a public forum so they commit with us and after they get elected we remind they covented, committed and now it’s time to work with us,” says Ceria-Ulep.

FACE is made up of over 40-thousand faith based members. And is a strong presence at the polls.

“It’s strategic for them if you’re trying to get elected you should be there cause lots of people that didn’t show up either didn’t respond to the invitation or couldn’t or what have you,” says Golderg.

All candidates present today supported FACE’s platform. Now the group says the task begins to make sure that happens.

“The question is how do you hold them to these questions afterwards,” says Goldberg.

“They know we will not give up until we work thru the issue,” says Ceria-Ulep.

FACE represents over 50 church groups on both Maui and Oahu.

Click here for the original story.