Clement Tinaj, Albanian candidate for governor of California

In an interview with Voice of America, Mr. Tinay says he is confident that he will succeed in this race because age is just a number. Elections within the Democratic Party are held on June 5th, while elections for the governor on November 6th of this year.

Voice of America: Mr. Tinaj, you compete in a difficult race, where there are many candidates, in a major state such as California. How do you see your chances of getting through and winning this election?

Clement Tinay: As you said, California is really a big country, it's the world's sixth largest economy, has a developed agriculture, is home to the film industry and social media. I am the youngest candidate in the race and I fight for people in the working class, because I believe other candidates are controlled by special interest groups, from unions and banks. I expect no help from anyone and fund the campaign myself. I bring into this race faith and hope for the working class, inspire the young, and serve as the voice of those who have no voice.

Voice of America: That takes a lot of courage, of course. You came to America at a very young age. You were only 15. Please speak to me about your American dream. Has it become reality so far?

Clement Tinay: Many people come here to contribute to the American dream and I'm one of them. In fact, this is the only place in the world where dreams can make it happen. You can dream whatever you want and make that reality happen if you have the courage to follow the dream and pursue your passion.

Voice of America: And you've been engaged in the movie industry for a while, right?

Clement Tinay: Yeah, I've been to the movie industry, and I have two schools in Los Angeles, which are my property. I also have some small businesses, I own the United International Film Festival, which is the world's top hundredth film festival. So when I entered the race for governor, that was what inspired me because 50 percent of the residents here are employed by small businesses. Being the owner of small businesses, I know how difficult people have and who suffer most, especially the color people and the poor communities.

Voice of America: You've played in some feature movies and some popular actors. Do you think this could bring you any support from the Hollywood world?

Clement Tinay: Yeah. I've actually received support from many actors. I got support from musicians who also published a music video for my campaign, which you can see on YouTube. I think we can have a good chance when it comes to Hollywood. In Los Angeles, there are a lot of young actors engaged. That is also my goal, to have as many young people as possible who start engaging in concrete works in the communities here.

Voice of America: If you win this race, you would be the first Albanian governor in America and the youngest in California. What are some of the qualities you think you have and can bring about the change in this race?

Clement Tinay: I repeat that my goal is to inspire young people, give voice to those who have no voice and give hope to the working classes as well as to people who have been forgotten so far. I think I got the energy right, I got everything I need to get my sleeves together and get to work. My rivals in the race have been in politics for 15-20 years. They still have the same platform that they had 15-20 years ago and offer nothing new to our wonderful country. I'm the only candidate that actually has a plan for California. I just released my 10-point action plan. This is the plan that will put you to life for the four years of the first term as governor of California.

Voice of America: So you see the fact that you're young as a factor that can help you win?

Clement Tinay: People want change, they want new blood. They seek someone who is young and who has a new vision and fresh ideas. That's exactly what I bring into this race. People are losing hope and confidence in elected officials. All those competing in our party against me have long been in politics.

Voice of America: But on the other hand, you're only 28 years old and that means also lack of political experience compared to your rivals.

Clement Tinay: You can see it in that look, but if man has the vision and the right energy, age is just a number. It's important to have a good vision and platform, which you stick to and trust. America is a place of opportunity and of brave people, so I believe I have a great chance. I'm the youngest candidate in the mayoral race and I'm the first Albanian, but that's not what qualifies me for this post. What qualifies me is the fact that as the owner of small businesses, I know who it is that suffer most. We have small businesses leaving California because of high taxes, for example.

Voice of America: Mr. Tinay, the fact that you come from a family of Albanian immigrants, Albanian immigrants, does that help you convince voters that you understand their problems and you can solve them?

Clement Tinay: Yes, and that makes California unique, diversity because 27 percent of Californians were born in another country. They bring much hope and energy. We need these immigrants to work in agriculture and other small businesses, because California is a very big state. By 2030 we will need at least 1.1 million skilled workers to make the economy move forward./ VOA