BY A STAFF REPORTER
ARTESIA, CA — The city of Artesia on Dec. 12 made history as the City Council selected its first-ever Pakistani- American mayor Ali Sajjad Taj, at the Artesia City Council’s final meeting of 2016 at the Albert O. Little Community Center here. Taj succeeds outgoing mayor Victor Manalo. Council member Sally Flowers was voted as...
ARTESIA, CA — The city of Artesia on Dec. 12 made history as the City Council selected its first-ever Pakistani- American mayor Ali Sajjad Taj, at the Artesia City Council’s final meeting of 2016 at the Albert O. Little Community Center here. Taj succeeds outgoing mayor Victor Manalo. Council member Sally Flowers was voted as...
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Artesia’s mayor pro tem. Around 600 people filled the community center to witness Taj’s installation to the mayor’s office. Local, regional and state leaders hailed Taj’s selection. Addressing the gathering Taj said he was humbled, honored and grateful for the trust placed in him as mayor.
He thanked outgoing Mayor Manalo for his service. Reiterating his commitment to sound financial management practices, he said“ I have a degree in economics and have spent my professional career in the financial services industry. I have been gratified to be able to approve City Budgets that are balanced, frugal and prudent, and, most importantly, dedicating funds to a committed contingency reserve. I am happy to report that this year the reserve reached a level equivalent to 100% of the City’s total General Fund Budget. We’ve accomplished this by keeping a very firm hand on spending.”
A strong reserve, Taj said, also gives the City the financial strength to be in a position to seize new opportunities. “In addition to having a good reserve, a savings account of sorts, another important goal for the city is to increase the revenue. We are committed to finding other sources of monies, like State and Federal grants to add to the revenue stream. We plan to be more creative finding these sources, as we all know that we do not get any dollars back in property taxes,” he added.
Taj revealed that another key priority for Artesia is creating economic growth for the community by leveraging infrastructure improvements and economic development initiatives to attract investment from all over the world. City staff is actively working with over 30 development proposals.
Reaching out to residents, Taj said he has an open door policy. “Anyone and everyone can reach me for any concern, question or comment through my City Hall office, my email, my cell phone or even social media,” he added.
He gave assurance that he would partner with the private sector to develop funding mechanisms that can be leveraged for facilities like a new community center, a center that would support expanded programs for the youth, veterans and seniors.
He also revealed that the City will continue to invest resources to make the downtown shopping district a vibrant place.
Taj has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science and a postgraduate degree of Master in Public Administration.
He has been in the financial services industry for the last 15 years. During his career he has held several key leadership positions with multinational firms like American Express, Ameriprise Financial, T.D. Ameritrade.
He thanked outgoing Mayor Manalo for his service. Reiterating his commitment to sound financial management practices, he said“ I have a degree in economics and have spent my professional career in the financial services industry. I have been gratified to be able to approve City Budgets that are balanced, frugal and prudent, and, most importantly, dedicating funds to a committed contingency reserve. I am happy to report that this year the reserve reached a level equivalent to 100% of the City’s total General Fund Budget. We’ve accomplished this by keeping a very firm hand on spending.”
A strong reserve, Taj said, also gives the City the financial strength to be in a position to seize new opportunities. “In addition to having a good reserve, a savings account of sorts, another important goal for the city is to increase the revenue. We are committed to finding other sources of monies, like State and Federal grants to add to the revenue stream. We plan to be more creative finding these sources, as we all know that we do not get any dollars back in property taxes,” he added.
Taj revealed that another key priority for Artesia is creating economic growth for the community by leveraging infrastructure improvements and economic development initiatives to attract investment from all over the world. City staff is actively working with over 30 development proposals.
Reaching out to residents, Taj said he has an open door policy. “Anyone and everyone can reach me for any concern, question or comment through my City Hall office, my email, my cell phone or even social media,” he added.
He gave assurance that he would partner with the private sector to develop funding mechanisms that can be leveraged for facilities like a new community center, a center that would support expanded programs for the youth, veterans and seniors.
He also revealed that the City will continue to invest resources to make the downtown shopping district a vibrant place.
Taj has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science and a postgraduate degree of Master in Public Administration.
He has been in the financial services industry for the last 15 years. During his career he has held several key leadership positions with multinational firms like American Express, Ameriprise Financial, T.D. Ameritrade.
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