By a Staff reporter
CERRITOS, CA - Naresh Solanki, was unanimously chosen with 5-0 vote, to become the first Indian-American Mayor of Cerritos, on April 17 at the City Hall here. Adorned in a grey suit and his iconic smile, the Mayor Pro Tem, Solanki was democratically chosen as the Mayor by his fellow council members amidst the...
CERRITOS, CA - Naresh Solanki, was unanimously chosen with 5-0 vote, to become the first Indian-American Mayor of Cerritos, on April 17 at the City Hall here. Adorned in a grey suit and his iconic smile, the Mayor Pro Tem, Solanki was democratically chosen as the Mayor by his fellow council members amidst the...
record number of attendees who had come from far and wide to witness the moment.
It has been a tradition with this city that was transformed from the Dairy Valley to Cerritos, in 1956, that its Mayoral post has always been rotated from amongst their colleagues and never fought, and that the Mayor Pro-Tem (Vice-Mayor) would be the automatic heir to the mayor at seat.
However, two years ago, this long standing tradition was broken to the dismay and shock of all its predecessors and the residents of the city. In an undemocratic fashion, Solanki was bypassed and Grace Hue became the Mayor.
This was the day Indian Americans across the Southland, and especially Cerritos has been long waiting for. As City Clerk, Vida Barone opened the nominations for Mayor, Councilman Jim Edwards instantly nominated Solanki with Councilman Frank Yokoyama seconding the nomination. “This was not just long overdue but is very well deserved”, said Deepak Jhaveri who is the Planning Commissioner with the City. “This marks the victory for all of us and I hope Nareshbhai will become a role-model and he will motivate our community so we can continue to have true leaders who will follow in his steps and keep being the voice and face of Indian-Americans,” Jhaveri added.
During his acceptance speech, Solanki thanked everyone and assured that his number one priority will be public safety. He will continue to seek ways to improve public safety with the help of Cerritos Sheriffs who are doing excellent work, despite facing many difficulties and challenges in recent times.
As mayor, Solanki said he intended to be prudent with the City’s budget and protect the City’s resources, while maintaining the City’s assets, including its high level of exceptional services and outstanding programs.
He will continue to focus on the businesses and bringing new investments to the City for future project and developments to help drive the revenue growth, Solanki added. He also lauded the city’s crowning jewels, its award winning and internationally recognized, public library; and its state of the art and luxurious Performing Arts Center. The atmosphere in the hall was charged with excitement and jubilation as Solanki’s big family, scores of friends, his staunch supporters and well-wishers poured in from all over. The Chair of the Board of Supervisors of the Los Angeles County, Janice Hahn, a long time friend of Solanki was there to show her support. Former Supervisor Don Knabe and his wife Julie who were in Temecula that day, specially drove down to support Solanki. Former Mayor and Solanki’s mentor, Bruce Barrows, along with another supporter, former Mayor Carol Chen were also present to wish the new mayor.
It has been a tradition with this city that was transformed from the Dairy Valley to Cerritos, in 1956, that its Mayoral post has always been rotated from amongst their colleagues and never fought, and that the Mayor Pro-Tem (Vice-Mayor) would be the automatic heir to the mayor at seat.
However, two years ago, this long standing tradition was broken to the dismay and shock of all its predecessors and the residents of the city. In an undemocratic fashion, Solanki was bypassed and Grace Hue became the Mayor.
This was the day Indian Americans across the Southland, and especially Cerritos has been long waiting for. As City Clerk, Vida Barone opened the nominations for Mayor, Councilman Jim Edwards instantly nominated Solanki with Councilman Frank Yokoyama seconding the nomination. “This was not just long overdue but is very well deserved”, said Deepak Jhaveri who is the Planning Commissioner with the City. “This marks the victory for all of us and I hope Nareshbhai will become a role-model and he will motivate our community so we can continue to have true leaders who will follow in his steps and keep being the voice and face of Indian-Americans,” Jhaveri added.
During his acceptance speech, Solanki thanked everyone and assured that his number one priority will be public safety. He will continue to seek ways to improve public safety with the help of Cerritos Sheriffs who are doing excellent work, despite facing many difficulties and challenges in recent times.
As mayor, Solanki said he intended to be prudent with the City’s budget and protect the City’s resources, while maintaining the City’s assets, including its high level of exceptional services and outstanding programs.
He will continue to focus on the businesses and bringing new investments to the City for future project and developments to help drive the revenue growth, Solanki added. He also lauded the city’s crowning jewels, its award winning and internationally recognized, public library; and its state of the art and luxurious Performing Arts Center. The atmosphere in the hall was charged with excitement and jubilation as Solanki’s big family, scores of friends, his staunch supporters and well-wishers poured in from all over. The Chair of the Board of Supervisors of the Los Angeles County, Janice Hahn, a long time friend of Solanki was there to show her support. Former Supervisor Don Knabe and his wife Julie who were in Temecula that day, specially drove down to support Solanki. Former Mayor and Solanki’s mentor, Bruce Barrows, along with another supporter, former Mayor Carol Chen were also present to wish the new mayor.
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