Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 4 CITY VIEWS January 31, 2025 NY State Assemblywoman Rajkumar Enters Race For NYC Public Advocate N ewYork State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajku- mar, the only Indian American in Albany, threw her hat into the race for NewYork City Public Advocate January 27, 2025. Rajkumar switched from her earlier bid for NYC Comptroller which she an- nounced last August, a race that had several contenders, to Public Advocate, which at the moment is fielding just one opponent. In a press release, she said she made the decision after meeting with thousands of residents across all five boroughs. “NewYorkers are sick and tired of their elected leaders behaving like extreme activists and ignoring the kitchen table issues we all care about,” the press release says. Among her accomplishments, Rajkumar lists -cracking down on illegal smoke shops, and combating hate and discrimination, “I am stepping up to be the Public Advocate for the City I love” said Rajkumar. “Our City is facing a crisis of governance and can no longer afford the out-of-touch agenda of extremists like JumaaneWilliams,” Rajkumar said directly attacking her opponent in the race. “Instead, we need proven fighters who will focus on the issues that all NewYorkers care about. From attack- ing the cost-of-living crisis to restoring public safety on our streets and on our subways, I’m excited to bring bold, results-driven leadership to our City.” Rajkumar has a tough fight ahead with less than 150 days until the Democratic Primary. But her campaign maintains she is entering the race “in an extremely strong position.” Williams is a popular candidate as he is running for re-election, and Rajkumar may face an uphill battle, even if she has more cash at the moment, some observers have noted in news reports. Queens Eagle reported that Williams issued a statement in response to Rajkumar’s announcement, that flaunted his new endorsements including from Borough President Donovan Richards and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. Williams has served as Public Advocate since 2019, prior to which he served on the NewYork City Council from 2009-2019, representing Brooklyn. “With over 4 times as much cash-on-hand as the incumbent Public Advocate JumaaneWilliams, Assem- blymember Rajkumar is already expected to qualify for over $1,000,000 in public matching funds,” the Indian American candidate’s campaign said. A Stanford Law graduate and civil rights attorney, Rajkumar has has some significant legislative victories to own, “from passing the SMOKEOUT Act that closed thou- sands of illegal smoke shops across the state” to another legislative win granting domestic workers human rights. She recently introduced a bill to deal with NewYork’s mental health crisis, The Empire State of Mind Act. By a StaffWriter Virginia’s JJ Singh Becomes First Turbaned Sikh State Legislator, Calls For Action On Gun Violence And Lowering Tuition Costs The historic swearing-in marks a new chapter for Virginia, show- casing the Commonwealth’s growing diversity and commitment to progress. V irginia House Delegate, JJ Singh, who made his- tory as the first “Turbaned Sikh” to serve as a state legislator in the United States history, expressed concerns that the “American Dream is in peril,” during his swearing-in ceremony on January 25, 2025, at the Virginia State Capitol. Indian-origin Singh expressed, “I stand before you today, proud to be the first Turbaned Sikh to serve in any state legislature in this country’s history,” receiving a huge applause from over 250 family members, friends, and well-wishers, who had gathered to attend the cer- emony. Highlighting pressing issues such as the impact of gun violence on children and the burden of skyrocketing col- lege tuition costs, Singh underscored that his two young daughters have fewer rights than his wife did just a few years ago. “Gun Violence is the number one cause of death for kids in this country, and college tuition costs have skyrocketed. We have serious work to do in the Common- wealth, and that’s why I ran to serve as a Delegate,” noted Singh. Singh thanked the Loudoun County and residents of House District 26—encompassing Brambleton, Aldie, Arcola, and South Riding—for entrusting him with their votes. Reflecting on his journey, he shared that some had doubted his ability to win in Virginia without compromis- ing his faith, but his victory proved otherwise. “It would be convenient to say that we were successful in this elec- tion despite living in Virginia, but I’m here to say that on the contrary, it is because we are in Virginia that we were selected and successful in this election,” he emphasized. Despite challenges facing Virginia and the nation, Singh expressed optimism for the future. He credited his campaign’s success to a team of dedicated supporters who knocked on doors and made phone calls, saying, “We left no stone unturned. I’m so grateful that you came along with me on this journey.” Singh reflected on Virginia’s complex history, acknowl- edging its past as the capital of the Confederacy and a “stalwart in segregation,” while celebrating the progress that has made the Commonwealth more inclusive over time. He also shared his personal connection to history, recalling his time as a tour guide at Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, who designed the Virginia State Capitol. “I’m proud that I was born and raised in Virginia,” he said noting that he attended Virginia schools and later graduated from the University of Virginia. He thanked Senator Kannan Srinivasan, who rep- resented House District 26, and his wife, Jayashree Sreenivasan, for their support. He referred to Jayashree as the first lady of the Senate District 32, which Srinivasan represents now. Singh honored his parents’ journey as immigrants from India in the 1970s, highlighting their sacrifices and determination in pursuing the American Dream. “Their weekly indulgence was a Big Mac with no fries for 49 cents,” he recalled, underscoring their resilience. The swearing-in ceremony also featured remarks from Senator Srinivasan, Delegate Joshua Cole, several faith leaders, and Virginia House Clerk Paul Nardo, who administered the oath of office. Nardo praised Singh’s historic achievement, noting, “History and progress are happening right here, right now.” Senator Srinivasan said, “I was very humbled to be here, and I’m so glad he took my seat. Now, I am on the other side of the chamber in the Senate.” Expressing hap- piness to see many youngsters in the audience, Sriniva- san underscored “It’s obviously for their generation. We want to strive to lay the right foundation here.” During his speech, Delegate Cole referred to the occa- sion as a “momentous and historic swearing in ceremo- ny.” Explaining the reason behind several faith leaders offering invocations at the ceremony, Cole noted the new Delegate Singh “wanted to appreciate each and every faith that he is blessed to represent.” The invocations were delivered by Delegate Cole (Christian), Rahul Pathak (Hindu), Rizwan Jaka (Muslim), Buddhist Monk, David Heifetz (Jewish), Laura Cummings (Poem), and Bibi Sahiba Kaur (Sikh). Singh’s mother, Dilpreet Singh, told South Asian Her- ald, “I’m a proud mother of JJ and I’m so grateful every- body helped him win this election.” His brother Rick Singh told South Asian Herald, “JJ here representing the community in the halls of history of the United States is very important for us and for every- one.” The ceremony also included a memorial resolution introduced by Rick Singh, to honor their late father, Dr. Amarjeet Singh. The resolution, adopted unanimously by attendees, celebrated his life and legacy. -(Used under special arrangementwith South Asian Herald) PHOTOS:T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman,SAH PHOTO:nyassembly.gov JJ Singh, accompanied by his wife Jessica, being administered the oath of office by Virginia House Clerk Paul Nardo during the swearing-in ceremony on January 25, 2025, at the Virginia State Capitol, in Richmond, Virginia. Jenifer Rajkumar on one of her public meetings. By T.Vishnudatta Jayaraman, South Asian Herald

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