|
|
PoliticsFrom Welcome to Chinatown NYCDespite being labeled as the “model minority,” Chinese citizens in New York City have only had a small amount of representation in politics throughout the city’s history; however, in more recent times, there have been pioneers in the community who have started to become a stronger political force in NYC Council. Margaret Chin Margaret Chin Margaret Chin is the first Chinese American woman on the NYC Council. She immigrated to the U.S from Hong Kong at the age of nine and grew up in NYC. Margaret Chin went to City College, where she became inspired by the Asian Studies courses she took to become involved in community organizing. For over 30 years she has dedicated her time and energy to helping immigrants, as well as low income and working families. In addition, Margaret Chin worked for 14 years at LaGuardia Community College's Division of Adult and Continuing Education and aided immigrant adults attain a college degree. [1] Over the past decade, Margaret Chin worked with Asian Americans for Equality, an organization she helped form in college. The organization focuses on advancing the rights of Asian Americans regarding civil rights, immigrant assistance, economic development, and affordable housing. Margaret Chin leads the organization's work in community organizing, coalition building, and advocacy. As a result of her determination to fight for representation for the Chinese community, Margaret Chin was elected to the Democratic State Committee for two terms. She also ran for City Council three times before finally being elected. [2] Peter Koo Peter Koo Peter Koo was elected to the NYC Council in November 2009. Koo immigrated to the U.S from Hong Kong and worked through poverty to earn a Bachelors of Science degree and became CEO of the Starside Pharmacy chain in Flushing, Queens. As an activist, Koo fought for the rights of business owners and the needs of the residents who live in Flushing. He served as the Chairman of Program Services for the Flushing Business Improvement District (BID) and President of the Flushing Chinese Business Association. As a result of his numerous philanthropic endeavors and public involvement, Koo became known as the "Mayor" of Flushing. [3]
John Liu John Liu John Liu is regarded as a pioneer for Chinese Americans in politics. He was the first Asian American elected to a legislative office in New York City. He served as a member of the New York City Council from 2001 to 2009 and represented District 20 in Queens. Throughout his tenure, he also served as Chair of the Transportation Committee, and also the Education, Consumer Affairs, Health, Land Use, Contracts, Oversight and Investigations and Lower Manhattan Redevelopment committees. John Liu was also the first Asian American elected to hold a citywide post in New York City. On January 1st, 2010, he was sworn into office as the 43rd Comptroller of the City of New York. He role as the comptroller makes John Liu the Chief Financial Officer of the City of New York. His job is to advise the Mayor, the City Council, and the public about the city’s financial condition. John Liu also manages the budget of New York City Pension Funds, as well as many other financial activities. [4]
Grace Meng Grace Meng Grace Meng was elected to the New York State Assembly board in 2009 and became the youngest Asian-American to ever be elected to the New York State Legislature. Her top priorities as a legislature are the health and quality of education of children, the quality of life for senior citizens, and helping small business owners achieve their American dream. Grace Meng has authored laws that extend unemployment coverage to 56,000 New Yorkers during the economic recession, as well as those that provide incentives for property owners to commit to affordable housing. One important law she authored eliminated the offensive term “oriental” from government documents. [5]
References
|
