WHO IS PATTY KIM?

     Patty was born in California and raised in the Washington D.C. area. Her parents immigrated to the United States in the mid 60s. Her father worked for the Department of Defense while her mother owned a flower shop.  On holidays, Patty assisted her mother at the flower shop by waiting on customers, cleaning the floors, and delivery flower arrangements. She saw up-close the struggles and challenges of owning a small business.

    Patty came to the Harrisburg area in 2000 to work for the local CBS television news station. She reported and anchored news stories for four years. In the meantime, she met her husband at church and was married in 2003.  Patty gave birth to a daughter and decided to resign her position and become a full-time mother. Patty remembers, “Growing up, my mom worked all the time even on weekends. I missed her at my soccer games and when I came home after school.”  Patty wants to give her daughter what she missed and stay home with her baby even if it means being financially tight.

    At home, Patty had a strong desire to help and serve others. She started by helping other mothers by babysitting their children while they worked. But she felt she needed to do more.  Patty’s parents always reminded her of her many blessings in life.  They said we can give back by giving to others.

    One day a friend suggested to her to run for City Council. Patty, who was never interested in politics, first thought it was a joke. But after prayer and careful consideration, she decided to run. It was a hard decision but she was eventually overwhelmed by the community’s support and enthusiasm.

    It was only through her campaign where she was introduced to the Korean community.

Patty only knew of a couple of churches and a Korean restaurant in the area.  Patty says the story of how she was connected with the Korean Association was like a miracle.  A couple of months before the Primary election in May, Dr. Kum S. Ham of Camp Hill wrote to her through email. He said he saw her campaign signs and wanted to know how he can help. He first connected her to Mr. Kwangyhol Na, the chairman of KAGRO (Korean-American Grocers Association of Harrisburg). Mr. Na agreed to put up her campaign signs at his store and ask the other Korean-owned corner grocery stores to do the same.  Soon, Patty’s signs were clearly seen at dozens of stores giving her an advantage in the race. Mr. Na introduced Patty to the Korean Association where they carefully listened to her goals and needs. They presented Patty with a contribution check. Patty says she walked away feeling encouraged and supported. She says that was one of her highlights during the campaign.

    Patty understands her culture and has a connection with the Korean community. She wants to be the liaison to City government and Korean-American city residents and business owners. She has a heart for small businesses and wants to be a voice on City Council for them.

     Patty says if she doesn’t win the election this time, she hopes she can inspire other second generation Korean Americans. “It’s time Korean-Americans have a voice in government.” Patty felt the timing was perfect. She was exposed to viewers on television for four years and had some name recognition. Patty was familiar with City leaders and had good relations with them. “Everything just came together. I knew this was what I had to do.” And, even the position is part-time which means she can still stay home with her baby.  Patty is excited to serve the City as a Korean-American and Christian. She hopes to bring fairness, compassion, and leadership to City Council.  But she says she can’t do it alone. She needs our support and prayers.