“It’s a foundation of our country, to exercise your religion. It doesn’t matter where you are, you have not given up that right. We are a fabric of religions and faiths. You have to have the freedom to worship your Creator as you see it.”
Emphasizing these values of religious and cultural tolerance was Bill Lisle, a first-time candidate running for Mayor of the City of Plano. These and other issues of importance were discussed and debated in spirited forum by three candidates for Mayor, and for eight candidates for the City Council.
Over 150 residents of Plano attended the Mayoral forum on April 22, 2017 at the Ismaili Jamatkhana in Plano. It was moderated by well-known host of the Morning Edition show, Sam Baker, and streamed live by KERA, the Dallas NPR affiliate, reaching more than two thousand people on Facebook Live.
Each of the Mayoral candidates, through remarks on and off the stage, were appreciative of the opportunity to close out their campaigns at this final pre-election event. Incumbent Mayor Harry LaRosiliere added, “I think it’s wonderful for the Ismaili community having put this together,” he said before the forum. “It shows that you’re not only in the community but part of the community.”
Attendees noted that all the candidates approached the task of leading the city seriously, but weren’t afraid to lighten the mood with friendly banter. “It was an extremely interesting opportunity to hear the views and visions of the candidates,” said James Thomas, a Plano ISD administrator. “It provided me with great insight, and was even humorous.” Altaf Hemani, a Plano business owner, said this event served as a great achievement for Ismailis to embrace Mawlana Hazar Imam’s call to serve as ambassadors of Islam.
In his remarks that preceded the City Council forum, the Central US Honorary Secretary Salim Rahimi said, “It’s only when each of us is involved in the process, and when we have many voices coming together to solve problems, when we can all succeed as citizens of the city or as humanity at large. We really, truly appreciate the candidates, of course, but equally importantly, our citizenry for being here today and being engaged.”
The importance of the event for the Ismaili community and for His Highness the Aga Khan was highlighted by Nizar Didarali, President of the Council for the Central US, “Today’s event signifies a commitment to community formation, to the importance of developing a knowledgeable and engaged citizenry and to giving a voice to our desire for a truly pluralistic society. “
