FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
July 8, 2004

Contact: Catherine Yuan 617-308-7906

Candidate Swiston invited to speak at National Convention

Greer Tan Swiston, local Newton community leader and candidate for the Massachusetts House of Representatives, will discuss the importance of civic involvement of citizens, especially those belonging to minority groups, at the National Convention for the Organization of Chinese Americans. The panel for the National Convention will be on July 17, 2004 at the Boston Copley Marriott 110 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02116 starting at 9AM.

"It's important for American citizens to participate in government and have their voices heard by their leaders," Swiston says. "The more people get involved, the more they will see that what they currently view as minority concerns are really just plain American concerns that affect everyone, because we are all one community."

Swiston is challenging 5-term incumbent Kay Kahn for a seat on Beacon Hill representing the 11th District of Middlesex. Swiston is a graduate of MIT, a successful businesswoman, and a long-time community volunteer who has turned her attention to direct participation in government by running for office.

"I want to show people you can embrace your ethnic heritage, and be a hundred percent American," Swiston, of Asian descent herself, explains. "I have a family, a career, and a desire to help my community. This is my way of balancing the concerns that are important to me."

The Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) was founded in 1973. OCA currently has 44 chapters throughout the country. One of OCA's top priorities is to promote active participation of Asian Pacific Americans in both civic and national matters.

For more information about Swiston's campaign, see www.vote4greer.com or call campaign headquarters at (617) 308-7906. You can also send e-mail to campaign@greertanswiston.org or send correspondence to Committee to Elect Greer Swiston, P.O. Box 1, West Newton, MA 02465.

For more information on the National Convention, see www.ocanatl.org.