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Buena Park Mayor Sunny Park and AAPI leaders in Los Angeles and Orange Counties held a press conference to discuss the state of AAPI representation in local government and the need for support of the AAPI community to continue to move Southern California in the right trajectory. The leaders will form an AAPI Leaders for Sunny Park committee to ensure her election to the Orange County Board of Supervisors in November.
Los Angeles and Orange Counties are home to nearly 1.2 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, according to the US Census Bureau, making up about 15% (LA) and 17% (OC) of the total populations of the two counties respectively. However, AAPI individuals are seldom represented in elected leadership. Across the country, AAPI people make up less than 1% of elected leaders in all levels of government. Electing Sunny Park to the Orange County Board of Supervisors must be a priority for our community to ensure that we are represented.
The community leaders also discussed the following issues as priorities for the AAPI community: keeping the community safe and addressing anti-Asian hate, protecting small businesses, and increasing access to public health benefits for all people, including AAPI seniors.
“I am so grateful for the community support and for everyone who is stepping up for this coalition,” said Mayor Sunny Park. “This election is not about me. I am running so that all voices can be heard, particularly those who have been historically ignored and marginalized.”
“As a fellow Korean American elected official, we have a duty to champion equitable representation,” said Mayor Fred Jung of Fullerton. “Mayor Park has dedicated herself to supporting AAPI representatives in our communities.”
“Mayor Sunny Park has experience, proven leadership, integrity and vision,” said former Mayor Mary Su of Walnut. “Her past and present accountability make her the most qualified candidate for Orange County Supervisor.”
“Southern California is home to approximately 1.5 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders,” said Councilmember Frank Aurelio Yokoyama of Cerritos. “It takes a courageous and accountable leader to be able to understand and represent the diverse needs of our communities. Sunny is the right person for the job.”
“I am proud to endorse Sunny Park for Orange County Supervisor – District 4,” said Steve Kang. “As Mayor and City Councilmember of Buena Park, she has a proven track record of public service, and commitment to the Korean American community. I am excited for Mayor Park to bring her dedication and fresh perspective to the Orange County Board of Supervisors.”
“Sunny Park is the uniting voice that Orange County needs,” said Ben Pak.
For more information and full endorsement list, visit: www.sunnypark4oc.com
