Residents lined up to cast their ballots for their favorite delegate candidates from 2 p.m., and hundreds of residents turned up at the voting place by 8 p.m.
The Korean-American residents who showed up expressed their dissatisfaction with the L.A. city government’s “soft on crime” policy in Koreatown and the poor management of the neighborhood’s living environment.
They emphasized the need to revive the WCKNC, which has been dysfunctional due to the resignation of the majority of the delegates, to revive grassroots democracy.
“I hope Koreatown becomes safer and businesses are better protected,” said Richard Koo, a resident in Koreatown. “I hope that the newly elected delegates do not resign mid-way and bring future-oriented changes to Koreatown.”
Muhammad Ha, a Bangladeshi resident, said, “The neighborhood council is the beginning of grassroots democracy that can deliver the community’s needs to the city council. I hope that all of the delegates elected will work to improve the community, regardless of race.”
Outside the Pio Pico Library polling site, Korean-American and Bangladeshi volunteers encouraged people to vote. Some had their own lists of candidates they were supporting and made last-minute campaign calls.
“The Korean-American community is so powerless,” said Soon-ok Kang, a woman in her 70s who came out to vote with her husband. “We need to elect our representatives who can deliver our voices to the city government.”
Voter eligibility was limited to WCKNC residents, employers, property owners, and community members. Some residents were turned away because they could not provide proof of residency.
The WCKNC area runs north-south from 11th St. to Olympic Blvd./Melrose Ave. and east-west from Manhattan Pl. to Wilton Pl. to Western Ave. to Vermont Ave. to Benton Way.
According to the L.A. Registrar of Voters, a total of 46 candidates ran in this year’s WCKNC election for 26 delegates. Of those, 35 candidates were Korean American, accounting for about 76%. The elected delegates will serve as neighborhood representatives, business representatives, civic organization member representatives, District 3 resident representatives, District 4 resident representatives, and youth and adult representatives.
Bangladeshis were particularly well-represented among the delegate candidates. More than 200 Bangladeshi residents showed up at the polling site to participate.
“If elected, I will prioritize safety management in Koreatown and actively convey residents’ opinions to the city council,” said Mark Lee, a candidate representing civic organization members.
“In the past three or four years, problems regarding parking and road safety increased due to various developments. Moreover, crime control is out of hand. We will urgently convey these issues to the city council and urge them for solutions,” said Simon Yang, the head of the Korean American Federation.
Neighborhood councils are autonomous organizations that deliberate and review major issues regarding new and expanded buildings, CUPs, traffic safety, and environmental beautification within their jurisdiction.
The L.A. City Council takes into account the reports of neighborhood councils when proposing ordinances. There are 99 neighborhood councils in L.A.
As of January, about 16 delegates had resigned from the WCKNC, which raised concerns about its dysfunction.
It is reported to take about three days for the announcement of the elected delegates.
HYUNGJAE KIM [support@koreadaily.com]
