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PUBLIC TESTIMONY

Testimony by Kunchok Dolma on Intro 100 for Losar Alternate Side Parking Holiday

4:04:28

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104 sec

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Kunchok Dolma, a Tibetan New Yorker, testified in support of Intro 100, which would make Losar (Tibetan New Year) a holiday for alternate side parking in New York City. She emphasized the importance of this recognition for the Tibetan and Himalayan community in the city.

Over 60,000 New Yorkers of Tibetan and Himalayan heritage, plus many more Tibetan Buddhists, celebrate Losar in NYC
This would be the first ASP holiday specific to Buddhists and people from the Himalayan region
The bill would allow the community to celebrate without worrying about parking tickets and feel represented in the city's civic fabric

Kunchok Dolma

4:04:28

My name is Guintra Optoma.

4:04:30

I'm a Tibetan, New Yorker, and I'm here to testify in support of intro 100 to make Losario holiday for alternate site parking.

4:04:38

As Ugena just said and someone testified earlier, Losario is a new year.

4:04:42

Thanksgiving, Christmas, Super Bowl, all bundled into 1.

4:04:46

As minorities, we are often used to our holidays being sidelined, so it makes our community very happy to be finally seen and heard in the city we call home.

4:04:57

To the 25 council members who signed on to this bill, especially to council member Julie Wan and her office, my council member, Shaker Krishnan, and to you chairwoman Brooks Powers, we are forever grateful.

4:05:09

In New York City alone, Los Harris celebrated by over 60,000 New Yorkers of Tibetan and Himalayan heritage.

4:05:16

This number, however, does not account for the many more tens of 1000 of Tibetan Buddhist who celebrate this holiday alongside us.

4:05:24

I ask and hope that each of you vote in favor of Inter 100 for 3 important reasons.

4:05:30

First, first, this would be the 1st and only ASP holiday that is specific to buddhist and people from across the Himalayan region one of the fastest growing communities in the city.

4:05:41

2nd, like other communities, our communities should also have the opportunity to celebrate a main religious holiday with our families without having to worry about getting a parking ticket or leaving us celebrations to move our cars.

4:05:53

And lastly, it allows us as one of the fastest growing New Yorkers to see ourselves represented in a civic fabric and laws of our city.

4:06:02

So thank you.

4:06:03

I hope you quickly vote into 100 out of committee and come to celebrate Losar with us at one of our many community halls and temples across the city.

4:06:12

Thank you.

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Testimony by Ugin Sherpa, Organizer at Chhaya Community Development Corporation on Intro 100 and Intro 276

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Testimony by Chhongu Sherpa Rotter, Member of the Himalayan Community