Lynn Cambodian community invited to City Hall

15/05/2010
By David Liscio / The Daily Item

LYNN - Thousands of Cambodians live in Lynn, but many have never set foot in City Hall out of fear or simply because they are unaware of available municipal services.

Ward 5 Councilor Brendan Crighton wants to change their way of thinking, which is why he has partnered with the local Khmer Cultural Planning Committee to host Cambodian Community Day today at City Hall.

According to Crighton, the Cambodian communities in Lynn and Lowell combined make up the third largest concentration of Khmer-speaking people in the world, yet many of these immigrants do not take advantage of local clinics, translators or direct services.

To remedy the situation, Lynn residents of Cambodian origin have been invited into the City Council's chamber from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a community meeting.

"The purpose of the meeting is to provide information on city services to the Cambodian community and to welcome them to City Hall," said Crighton, noting that the event will include presentations by local officials as well as a chance for the public to ask questions about city services.

Kirirath "A.J." Saing, a volunteer in Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy's office, will assist with language translation. Members of the Khmer Cultural Planning Committee will be present to share ideas on how to foster inter-cultural dialogue in the city. The committee meets regularly to discuss ways to preserve and share the culture and heritage of Cambodia. It also plans the city's annual Cambodian New Year celebration.

"Lynn has one of the largest Cambodian populations in the world and it's important that we as a city have a strong partnership with them," said Crighton.

The city council said he hopes to start what will become an ongoing discussion between local government and the Cambodian community.

"We had a good showing at Cambodian New Year, so we've asked people to come down and familiarize themselves with city services," he said. "The city has medical clinics and we might touch upon that, but this whole event is geared to city government and available services. We want to build their trust and make them more comfortable. As a city government, we're ready to head in that direction."

Crighton said many Lynn residents are unaware of Cambodia's history of genocide and the so-called killing fields that left millions dead only three decades ago.

In addition to information on city services, the event will be highlighted by performances of traditional Cambodian dance. Lynn Cam has volunteered to tape the event, which will allow those who are unable to attend to watch on live television or on reruns.