By JOSEPH G. LARIOSA

(© 2011 Journal Group Link International)

C hicago (jGLi) – The proposed state map for redistricting has kept Chinatown intact, including an Asian-Latino coalition district that encompasses Pilsen, Armour Square, Bridgeport, Mckinley Park and a portion of Brighton Park.

The Coalition for A Better Chinese-American Community, however, was disappointed that the congressional map continues to divide the Greater Chinatown community area into three districts – 7th, 3rd and 4th Districts.

At the press and community Thursday (June 2) at the Chinese-American Service League at 2141 S. Tan Court in Chinatown, the CBCAC briefed the press and community on the results of the 2011 redistricting process where they reported the reduction of four state representatives and three state representatives into one lawmaker in each chamber.

The area includes 90% of the Greater Chinatown Community area population that was designated by CBCAC early in the process.

“This is the outcome of a decade-long effort. We are pleased with the result,” said C.W. Chan, CBCAC chairperson.

David Wu, Executive Director of the Pui Tak Center, a member of CBCAC’s coalition, said “Once this proposal is adopted, it will be the beginning of a new era for the Chinatown community. We will work hard at developing a good relationship with our elected officials so that our community is fairly represented.”

“This change will go a long way towards helping our community achieve a stronger voice in government,” said Theresa Mah, policy consultant for CBCAC.

Meanwhile, the new congressional district map will continue to be divided among Danny Davis’s 7th District, Daniel Lipinski’s 3rd District, and Luis Gutierrez’s 4th District. This area includes about 30,000 Asian Americans, an increase of more than 50 percent since the 2000 census.

The CBCAC was frustrated that it was not given an opportunity to provide an input in the redistricting process of the congressional map. Nonetheless, CBCAC has begun to reach out to its congressional representatives and hopes to build stronger relationships to ensure that the community is not neglected. # # #

Editor’s Note: To contact the author, please e-mail him at: (lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)