The New York Korean community has its work cut out for them in the upcoming fall elections for New York City Council members: to seat the first ever Korean American on the Council. The community has four candidates: Jin-hae Kim for Manhattan District 1; Seung-jin Chong and Tae-sok Kim, in District 20 in Flushing; and Kevin Kim in Bayside's District 19. They are all registered as candidates and there is a high expectation among New York Koreans that one of them will win a seat.
The Korean candidates are already busy meeting people and their campaigns are in full swing. Sponsored by the NY Korea Times, leaders in the Korean community are holding public roundtable talks to discuss the candidates, learn about their views and campaign platforms, and provide information on the election itself.
On May 13, the NY Korea Times invited Mr. Kun-ok Kim, chairman of the Korean Association of Queens, NY; Mr. Kwang-soo Kim, delegate of the Korean Association of Greater NY; Mr. Dong-chan Kim, director of the Korean-American Voters Service Center in NY; and Mr. Yoon-yong Park, chairman of the Korean Right & Advocacy Committee, to respond to the following questions from the public:
Do you think that this election is the right time to promote a Korean for membership in the NYC Council?
Mr. Kwang-soo Kim: All the Korean candidates have a good chance. The New York Korean community members have the strong hope of seeing an elected Korean councilman, so it's a great opportunity for the candidates. Not long ago, the election of the president of the NY Korean Association aroused interest in mainstream American society; if we can maintain that kind of election enthusiasm in the community up to this fall, we will surely bring out more Korean voters, and will have a good chance of seeing the first Korean-American councilman elected in New York City.
Mr. Yoon-yong Park: The Korean community is ready to send its politicians into this arena. Still, the elections for New York City office are not quite like elections for positions of leadership within the Korean community. Different generations of Koreans have different takes on the chances for getting one of our candidates elected tot the Council. There could be a good chance to be successful, but there may be something of a generational conflict.
Mr. Kun-ok Kim: The Chinese community has made great strides under Councilman John Liu. And the Korean community also recognizes the need to have Koreans elected to political office. Support from Korean community for our candidates is strong, and will get stronger. For example, even though we are still in a deep economic depression, response to our fundraising is getting better and better.
What do you think are some of the necessary conditions for electing a Korean councilman in New York City?
Mr. Dong-chan Kim: The most important condition is increasing voter turnout among Koreans. In the case of New York City elections, the Korean turnout is not very high. This is true even in Flushing, with perhaps the highest concentration of Koreans in the City. Only about 40 percent of eligible Korean voters have participated in past elections. We need to get this number way up.
Mr. Kwang-soo Kim: We need to raise awareness in the Korean community that voting is not a special event; it's part of our daily life, part of our civic duty. As U.S. citizens, we should express our opinions through our votes. We are not an audience but American citizens. We should get out and vote to safeguard our rights and interests and to better our lives here in America. We should raise the call for all to vote, to go to the polls on election day. We really need to raise awareness on this issue.
Mr. Yoon-yong Park: In order to ensure a victory in this election, it's important for Korean candidates to show solidarity with other communities, races or ethnic groups. The New York Korean community must impress other racial groups. Every Korean must foster a good image to non-Koreans, so that when a Korean candidate meets and talks to people they can willingly accept him and easily feel comfortable with him.
Mr. Kun-ok Kim: Two Korean candidates have registered in Flushing's District 20. Both are capable and have their own policies. New York Koreans must exercise proper judgment and elect a candidate based on qualifications, not on connections or affiliations. We should not vote for a specific candidate because of school or family ties, etc.
How can the Korean community help its candidates get elected?
Mr. Yoon-yong Park: If New York Koreans want to help, we shouldn't make too much noise in public. It would be better to work quietly behind the scenes, at a local level, for instance as a representative of a local group. And we should listen closely to what other racial and ethnic groups are saying.
Mr. Kun-ok Kim: The New York Korean churches in Bayside and Flushing can help encourage Korean people to register and vote.
Mr. Dong-chan Kim: We should encourage New York Koreans to register to vote. The Chinese community registers something like 5,000 new voters yearly.
What would you like to say to the candidates?
Mr. Dong-chan Kim: Don't try to divide Korean community to get elected! Don't try to condemn the other Korean candidates. Don't just go for the Korean vote but seek voters among other racial and ethnic groups, and try to win them, too. And, don't play party politics.
Mr. Kwang-soo Kim: Don't spend all your time behind a desk or on the phone. Get out on the street and listen to people, meet people. Talk to everyone you can and build relationships.
Mr.Yoon-yong Park: Politics is not a private game. You have to get along with every one, and especially with Democratic Party members in New York. Democratic support is very important in New York elections. Also, don't think that this is the last chance. Opportunities can come several times in your life. Don't ignore local politics, but show your concern and interest to local politicians. Support Korean political positions across the spectrum, from local to mainstream.
