PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Toshi Chappell, Tibetan Refugee and Uber Driver, on Intro 100
4:27:59
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128 sec
Toshi Chappell, a Tibetan refugee and Uber driver, testified in support of Intro 100, which would make Losar (Tibetan New Year) a holiday for alternate side parking in New York City. He emphasized the importance of this bill for the Tibetan community and its cultural significance.
- There are over 61,000 Tibetan Buddhists in New York City from various countries
- The bill would allow Tibetans to celebrate Losar without worrying about parking violations
- Chappell sees this as a gesture of recognition and inclusion for the Tibetan community in NYC
Toshi Chappell
4:27:59
Good afternoon, and thank you, Chairman, Brooks Powers.
4:28:04
And council member is Shaker, and everyone.
4:28:09
My name is Toshi Chappell, and I'm a Tibetan refugee and a New Yorker.
4:28:14
I'm here to testify in support of intro 100 from council member, Julie Wong, to make Losar, or to better a new year, a holiday for alternate alternate site parking.
4:28:26
As an Uber driver and community member, this bill is important to me.
4:28:32
New York City has over 61,000 Tibetan buddhists from Bhutan, India, Nepal, Tibet, and other countries.
4:28:40
In my home country, Tibet.
4:28:42
Our religion and culture are under threat of annihilation due to China's ongoing occupation.
4:28:49
In New York City, we have had the opportunity to practice and preserve our terrorists freely.
4:28:58
By suspending alternate side parking on Los Arne, New York city sends a powerful message to all caberans and Himalans that our city sees us.
4:29:08
Our city recognizes us and our culture traditions.
4:29:12
New York City is our home too.
4:29:16
In addition to practical benefit of not requiring us to move our cars on this important Buddhist holiday, it is important for my community to see themselves represented in the loss of our city.
4:29:29
Just like communities who celebrate Christmas, Diwali, and other holidays, my communities should have the opportunity to celebrate Lazar with our families and not having to worry about getting a parking violation.
4:29:43
I hope you can join us at 1 of our communities, Los Angeles celebrations this year and celebrate the passage of this law with us.
4:29:51
I ask that you please word in favor of Interhonti to make LOSR and ASP holiday.
4:29:59
Thank you, council member, Julie Vaughn, and Chairman, Brooks Powers, for being a chairman chairman champion for our community.
4:30:05
We will always remember you.
4:30:07
Thank you.
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
4:30:07
Thank you so much.