The first Sikh elected to Hoboken, New Jersey’s City Council will be running for mayor on November 7th, reports India West.
Eight years ago, people doubted that Ravinder Bhalla would find the support to be elected in a city that was over 80% white with few if any Sikhs outside of Bhalla’s family.
Today he is running with the endorsement of outgoing mayor, Dawn Zimmer.
“This was unexpected,” Bhalla told India-West. “I was going to run for a third city council term,” but changed his mind after Zimmer announced she would not seek reelection.
After two successful terms in public office, Bhalla believes that lowering taxes and preserving job positions at a local hospital were two of his most important accomplishments.
His major goals as mayor include maintaining a balanced budget, lowering municipal taxes, overseeing a balance of commercial and residential development, and preparing for flooding—a growing threat in the face of climate change, according to News India Times.
Bhalla was born in New Jersey to Indian immigrants. His parents began their life in the U.S. living in a trailer.
“My Mom and Dad started their American journey in a trailer park with no family, no friends, but they have all that and more now,” Bhalla goes on to say. “America is an amazing country where great things can happen. I was fortunate to share that message today with young Sikh children and their parents.
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. You can show your support by liking our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/asamnews, following us on Twitter, sharing our stories, interning or joining our staff.
