Korean American Community’s Ideas Incorporated into NJ Redistricting
by kace
Posted on April 4, 2011
Photo of the Democrats’ Proposal that was chosen by the Commission
On April 3rd, 2011, the New Jersey Redistricting Commission decided on a redistricting proposal that encompassed the concerns of the Korean American community. A group of 11, the Commission held a roll-call vote for each members deciding upon the redistricting plans of Republicans or Democrats. With the vote of 5 Democrats and the independent tiebreaker Dr. Alan Rosenthal, the Democrats’ proposal was selected as the redistricting plan for the next 10 years.
The Korean American Voters’ Council (KAVC) underscored the importance of grouping together Korean-populated areas such as Palisades Park, Fort Lee, Leonia, and Edgewater into District 37 at the Commission’s public hearing. The chosen proposal placed Fort Lee into District 37. Edgewater was placed into District 32.
Therefore, District 37 surfaced as a Korean-populated district, thus increasing the possibility of electing Korean American state senators and representatives.
The effect KAVC had on the Commission was demonstrated by the Republicans’ proposal as well. Their proposal also grouped the 4 townships mentioned above into District 37. This means that no matter which party’s proposal was chosen, the Korean American community’s concerns have been answered.
The redistricting plan will take effect starting this year with the elections for the State Senate and the Assembly. It will be used until the next Census (2020).
KAVC will hold a press conference, speaking about how redistricting will affect Korean Americans and what the community needs to do to respond to the changes.
Press Conference
Time: Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 at 11AM
Location: KAVC NJ Office (144 Main Street, STE 203, Hackensack, NJ 07601, 201-488-4201)
KAVC Activities Regarding NJ Redistricting
1. 2010 Korean American Census Task Force Activities
2. KAVC’s Testimony at the Public Hearing
3. Local Coverage of KAVC Redistricting Campaigns