“Burglars break into senior apartments occasionally. Do you have any plans to beef up security?”
“How do you deal with concerns about fentanyl addiction issues?”
“When will the homeless encampments in Koreatown be cleaned up? Their presence is unsanitary and disruptive. Why aren’t tax-paying citizens receiving adequate protection?”
These are some of the questions presented to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, as proposed by readers of the Korea Daily.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Korea Daily’s Korean-language newspaper, we are collaborating with the office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a city with over 100,000 Korean Americans, to launch the inaugural “Ask the Mayor of Los Angeles” event.
This event is a one-on-one interview where Korean Americans can submit their questions directly to the mayor for responses. We are eager to bring your inquiries about daily life, public safety, and future visions directly to the mayor’s office as she marks her 500th day in office.
Sean Kim, 39, an office worker, said, “I’ve always wanted to ask the mayor about the long-term plans for public transportation in the city and how to improve it.”
“I would also like to ask the mayor about the reasons why ordinary citizens can’t or won’t use public transportation, especially since I moved to LA three years ago,” he added.
Yoonkyung Lee, 25, a first-year immigrant, expressed concerns about gentrification in Koreatown, noting, “As the area becomes more gentrified, only large businesses and chain stores are surviving. I would like to know if the city has plans to help small businesses thrive.”
She also underscored the economic challenges small businesses face and the potential impacts on the community.
Soon Hyung Kang, 70, a user of senior facilities, inquired, “Why haven’t the senior welfare facilities in Koreatown been revitalized compared to other communities?” “This could be an area for collaboration between the mayor’s office and Koreatown,” he suggested.
A woman surnamed Yoo, who recently closed her business in the fashion district of Downtown LA, questioned, “What is the mayor’s stance on the potential of the Jobber Market, a clothes wholesale market, and what initiatives are in place to revitalize it?”
The Korean community is poised to raise various questions, spanning daily life, safety, and the city’s future. The mayor’s office aims to use this initiative to actively engage with the Korean-American community.
Jieun Kim, a public affairs official for Korean Americans in the LA Mayor’s Office, stated, “Dialogue is crucial for enhancing communication and building trust. We encourage everyone to participate in this event with thoughtful questions and a collaborative spirit.”
The mayor’s office intends to provide comprehensive responses and address the Korean-American community’s concerns. We will select questions received by April 26 for an interview with Mayor Bass and share her responses in print and online.
Please send your questions for Mayor Bass to: support@koreadaily.com.
