First Asian Council Member Looms in Future: (cont'd)
Numerous Asian Candidates in Upcoming District Council Elections May Increase Chances of a Win
by James S. Yi, Special Contributor

displacement, and "protecting our quality of life," Hui is concerned with the infrastructure of the downtown area and with issues related to worker's rights and sweatshops. Running a grassroots campaign, with the slogan of "Principles, Perseverance, Results," Hui remarked, "Most politicians say if you vote for me I'll build a school or do this or do that, but I'm not trying to be your custodian. I want to win you're participation." (Campaign website: www.kwonghui2001.com)
ahead of them just so they can run again in two years.

There is a definite "Asian factor" to this election with about 37% of the residents of District 1 being Asian. However, since out of the registered 61,574 voters of District 1, only about 14,581 or 24% are Asian, the candidates, in order to have any chance at winning, will have to form coalitions with the varying economic and social groups of the district.

District 1 has long been expected to produce the first Asian council member but Freed has constantly beaten back Asian competitors by representing Chinatown's interests fairly well. The first Asian Council member will most likely be produced, not in Manhattan, but rather in Flushing, in District 20 where Democratic candidate John Liu is running. He has already raised the maximum in campaign funds and has received the support of the local Democratic machine.

But nothing is certain. When Councilwoman Julia Harrison made an anti-Asian remark, stating there was an "invasion" of Asians rather than an "assimilation," she still went on to easily win against three Asian candidates with a large majority (61%).

What is known though is that things will remain tentative for a little while after these upcoming elections. With the new census, districts will be redrawn again in the year 2003 and new elections will commence. District 1 will most likely be redrawn to account for the social-economic differences that are readily apparent. With more elections in 2003, the question arises-will the new incumbents have enough time to establish themselves for reelection or will there be another free-for-all for seats as the situation this year? One thing is certain-the current candidates have a tough fight ahead of them just so they can run again in two years.s

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