Asian American Community Coalition on Redistricting and Democracy | accord.newyork@gmail.

com | 718-460-5600

February 8, 2013 Honorable Commissioner Linda Lin, The member organizations of the Asian American Community Coalition on Redistricting and Democracy would like to express their sincere gratitude to you for your integrity, courage and wisdom in fulfilling your duties as a Commissioner for the 2012-2013 New York City Districting Commission. On February 6, 2013, you voted against the Commissions Feb 6th Plan, and in doing so, distinguished yourself from fourteen of your fellow Commissioners. Before casting your vote, you presented a thoughtful and compelling argument against the Plans treatment of Bayside, Queens. This was grounded in a firm and accurate understanding of the law, history, the neighborhood itself, and current demographic data. Given the evidence mentioned in your statement, we believe that every single Commissioner should have voted down the Plan. We also applaud your engagement of the issues and of other Commissioners during the latest meetings, and despite the tide of opinion among your colleagues, the courage to translate your convictions into action. Your comments and your vote will remain an invaluable and exemplary part of the public record. Again, thank you for your service, leadership and commitment to your duty as a Commissioner to serve all the people of New York City. Few things affect our democracy as profoundly as fair and principled district boundaries. Sincerely, Asian American Community Coalition on Redistricting and Democracy Asian American Bar Association of New York Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund Asian Pacific Americans for Progress New York Chhaya Community Development Corporation Chinese Progressive Association Indo-Caribbean Alliance Korean Americans for Political Advancement Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York MinKwon Center for Community Action OCA-NY Taking Our Seat United Chinese Association of Brooklyn YWCA of Queens