India Post New Service
CERRITOS, California: Naresh Solanki, became the first Indian American Mayor of Cerritos during the annual mayoral transition April 17. The council chambers were packed with people and dignitaries from various cities and government offices, and there were moments of suspense, excitement and jubilation during the two-hour program.
This was the day Indian Americans have been eagerly waiting for in Cerritos. As City Clerk, Vida Barone opened the nominations for mayor following which council member Jim Edwards nominated Solanki while council member Frank Yokoyama seconded the nomination.
The city of Cerritos typically rotates its mayors every year from the five council members. It is mutually done without any election process.
During his acceptance speech, Mayor Solanki thanked everyone and sad 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 said he will continue to focus on the businesses and bringing new investments to the city for future projects and developments to help drive revenue growth. 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 event was attended by representative from Congress Linda Sanchez of Los Angeles, County Supervisor Janice Hahn, former Senator Lowenthal, representatives of other neighboring cities, former County Supervisor Don Knabe and former Cerritos mayors.
