BY KALYANI VASAN
CANOGA PARK, CA: Speaking to the Indian American community at a musical and fundraiser event on May 10, Navraj Singh stated the platforms he was running on and requested the community to support him. Singh is the 15th candidate to enter the race for the City Council seat for District 12 which comprises of the northwestern...
CANOGA PARK, CA: Speaking to the Indian American community at a musical and fundraiser event on May 10, Navraj Singh stated the platforms he was running on and requested the community to support him. Singh is the 15th candidate to enter the race for the City Council seat for District 12 which comprises of the northwestern...
and western San Fernando Valley. Despite many platforms the evening was dominated by homelessness that has begun to plague District 12 streets. The candidate participated in a lively Q & A lead by the MC of the evening Dr. Parveen Syal as well as audience members.
Here are some answers to questions raised:
Resolving homelessness:
The problem is getting worse and City Hall politicians would rather prolong it than resolve it. Bond funding is available but being restrained due to selfish reasons. If I win we can resolve this problem together: I would like to help open a homeless shelter in an empty building in the industrial area in our district. We need to purchase one, create job training opportunities and build a neighboring Sikh temple or Gurdwara because they will feed the homeless.The Sikh temple will give them spirituality and their souls will seek answers. It will soon become a model for other cities to follow. Sikh Gurdwaras are known for feeding needy people.
Singh firmly stated that he would however not want the homeless shelter in his backyard. He said: ``If somebody asks me if I want a homeless shelter in my back yard, I will refuse. That is why I came up with the idea of housing a homeless shelter in the industrial area. The city has the money to do it but not the will. Yet, they want to hold the Olympics? Can you imagine the embarrassment?
At this point the floor was opened for audience questions and an army veteran said that veterans become homeless due to untreated PTSD problems and how can the city council help with this?
To this Singh replied,``My plan of treatment, Sikh hospitality and spirituality via the Gurudwara is once again a great option.’’
33 year old Karan Singh Chadha pointed out that the homeless suffer from severe mental health problems and intense alcohol and drug abuse. Getting to a shelter is far from their mind, they are just looking for their next fix. To which Singh replied,`` I will consult with other city councils to see what has worked and follow them.’’
At this point the conversation moved to the stinky dump issue in the city of Granada Hills. Singh said,``The dump needs to be relocated entirely to an open land area by the 14 freeway.’’
Singh also gave his views on the following issues exclusively to India Journal:
Sanctuary city status:
I am against Los Angeles being a sanctuary city.
City Councilman Salaries:
Average pay is $200K which is a waste. Additionally, councilmen are getting kickbacks and under the table deals. I have never made $200 k in a year and yet have a simple but, sufficient lifestyle.
Teacher salaries:
A 7% parcel tax levy has been put on the table by teachers demanding higher salaries. Our schools are really failing as teachers are just babysitters due to the lack of good parenting. We should have a talk with the teachers to actually teach not just watch the kids. They continue asking for more and more money. Why should we pay more to teachers for mere baby-sitting? I am against the 7% tax and also against giving more salary to the teachers.
Public areas:
Roads in District 12 are in bad shape and need to be repaved. We need to install more left hand signals too. A new shopping area is developing in Porter Ranch without giving consideration to the traffic jams, safety and crowding issues it will cause. This is a perfect example of the lack of transparency and approvals given without being considerate.
The evening continued into the night with melodious singing by Sa Re Ga Ma 2016 finalist Jagpreet Bajwa. What is notable is that despite being visually challenged due to a childhood ailment that robbed his sight, this young man continues to make headlines in the realm of music.
Singh concluded with a message to the community:``Participate in the election and vote for your community to be represented. Together this is a great opportunity for us.I will be available to you all 24/7.’’
Here are some answers to questions raised:
Resolving homelessness:
The problem is getting worse and City Hall politicians would rather prolong it than resolve it. Bond funding is available but being restrained due to selfish reasons. If I win we can resolve this problem together: I would like to help open a homeless shelter in an empty building in the industrial area in our district. We need to purchase one, create job training opportunities and build a neighboring Sikh temple or Gurdwara because they will feed the homeless.The Sikh temple will give them spirituality and their souls will seek answers. It will soon become a model for other cities to follow. Sikh Gurdwaras are known for feeding needy people.
Singh firmly stated that he would however not want the homeless shelter in his backyard. He said: ``If somebody asks me if I want a homeless shelter in my back yard, I will refuse. That is why I came up with the idea of housing a homeless shelter in the industrial area. The city has the money to do it but not the will. Yet, they want to hold the Olympics? Can you imagine the embarrassment?
At this point the floor was opened for audience questions and an army veteran said that veterans become homeless due to untreated PTSD problems and how can the city council help with this?
To this Singh replied,``My plan of treatment, Sikh hospitality and spirituality via the Gurudwara is once again a great option.’’
33 year old Karan Singh Chadha pointed out that the homeless suffer from severe mental health problems and intense alcohol and drug abuse. Getting to a shelter is far from their mind, they are just looking for their next fix. To which Singh replied,`` I will consult with other city councils to see what has worked and follow them.’’
At this point the conversation moved to the stinky dump issue in the city of Granada Hills. Singh said,``The dump needs to be relocated entirely to an open land area by the 14 freeway.’’
Singh also gave his views on the following issues exclusively to India Journal:
Sanctuary city status:
I am against Los Angeles being a sanctuary city.
City Councilman Salaries:
Average pay is $200K which is a waste. Additionally, councilmen are getting kickbacks and under the table deals. I have never made $200 k in a year and yet have a simple but, sufficient lifestyle.
Teacher salaries:
A 7% parcel tax levy has been put on the table by teachers demanding higher salaries. Our schools are really failing as teachers are just babysitters due to the lack of good parenting. We should have a talk with the teachers to actually teach not just watch the kids. They continue asking for more and more money. Why should we pay more to teachers for mere baby-sitting? I am against the 7% tax and also against giving more salary to the teachers.
Public areas:
Roads in District 12 are in bad shape and need to be repaved. We need to install more left hand signals too. A new shopping area is developing in Porter Ranch without giving consideration to the traffic jams, safety and crowding issues it will cause. This is a perfect example of the lack of transparency and approvals given without being considerate.
The evening continued into the night with melodious singing by Sa Re Ga Ma 2016 finalist Jagpreet Bajwa. What is notable is that despite being visually challenged due to a childhood ailment that robbed his sight, this young man continues to make headlines in the realm of music.
Singh concluded with a message to the community:``Participate in the election and vote for your community to be represented. Together this is a great opportunity for us.I will be available to you all 24/7.’’
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