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Gubernatorial and State Legislative Elections
Indian American Candidates---VOTE November 6, 2001
Not since the 1994 congressional campaigns of Ram Uppuluri, Neil Dhillion, and Peter Mathews has the Indian American community been excited about Indian Americans seeking elected office. Undeterred by an election year that features only two state legislative elections and a handful of mayoral and city council elections, eight Indian Americans from the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area have decided to throw their hats into the election circus.
But as we all are aware, this year's elections in New York and New Jersey are anything but normal. While the candidates are battling over taxes, education, crime, and health care, they must also deal with the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
As Indian Americans, we need to support our community and the individuals who are trying to make a difference in the American political system. This is a great opportunity for our community to gain a stronger voice at the table-to be seen and heard and to partake in the political spectrum that composes America, the land in which we live.
You can make a difference-If the following candidates are in your district and you like what they represent, please take the time to vote on Nov. 6th.
Also note: IACPA has helped the Indian American Leadership Incubator (IALI) with the following project: GOTV
Be a part of democracy in action! Help elect 10 Indian American candidates this November 6 and say you have helped changed your world.
The Indian American Leadership Incubator, a Political Action Committee, has
organized a Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) campaign.
Please come out and assist the candidates-- be a part of democracy in
action. Contact Rachana Desai at radesai and indicate your name,
address, telephone and the dates you are available.
GOTV remaining dates:
*November 3, 4, 5, 6 (critical days)
For more information, access www.ialipac.org.
Indian American Candidates Running for Public Office
in New York City and New Jersey:
NEW JERSEY Candidates
Kiran Desai
Naresh "Nick" Gidwani
Upendra Chivukula
Sylvester Fernandez
Pradip "Pete" Kothari
Parag Patel
Monisha Merchant
NEW YORK Candidates
Renu Lobo
Inderjit Singh
***Below you will find more information regarding these candidates.
State Office
Kiran Desai
KIRAN DESAI, STATE SENATE CANDIDATE
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT #13
The District contains the Middlesex County municipality of Old Bridge, Monmouth County Aberdeen, Hazlet, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Matawan, Middletown, and Union Beach.
Website: www.monmouthdems.com/desai/
Naresh "Nick" Gidwani (R) State Senate - 19th Legislative District
Upendra Chivukula (D) State Assembly - 17th Legislative District
UPENDRA CHIVUKULA, STATE ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT #17
The District contains Middlesex County municipalities of Highland Park, Milltown, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, and Piscataway. Somerset County municipality of Franklin.
Political Platform: Property tax reform, Patient's bill of rights, Affordable auto insurance, Affordable housing, Protect our environment.
Bio: Mr. Upendra Chivukula is Director-Marketing at Sira Tech International, Inc. Somerset. Mr. Chivukula has a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from City College of CUNY, NY and is a co-author of six books. Mr. Chivukula has served as mayor, deputy mayor and councilman of Franklin Township. He worked with Congressman Frank Pallone who organized the Indian Caucus (170 members) and Caucus on Indian Americans. He is married with two children.
Website: www.upendraforassembly17.com
Sylvester Fernandez (R) State Assembly - 18th Legislative District
SYLVESTER FERNANDEZ, ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 18
District 18 contains Middlesex County municipalities of East Brunswick, Edison, Helmetta, Metuchen, South Plainfield, South River, and Spotswood.
County Office
Pradip "Pete" Kothari (R) Freeholder - Middlesex County
PRADIP (PETER) KOTHARI
FREEHOLDER CANDIDATE, MIDDLESEX COUNTY
CONTACT: QUICK TRAVEL INC., 1412 Oak Tree Road, Iselin, NJ 08830, Tel , Fax:
Email: quicktravel
BIO: Pradip Kothari is the founding President of Indo-American Cultural Society and the Indian Business Association. He is a member of the New Jersey Human Relations Council, the Asian & Pacific American Advisory Council, the Rotary Club of Woodbridge/Perth Amboy, and the Bridge Steering Committee of the Edison YMCA. Mr. Kothari founded the Indo-Ameircan Cultural Society which manages the annual Nabratri Festival at the Raritan Center, Edison. He also serves as the President of the Indian Business Association working with the 300 businesses in the Iselin Oak Tree Road district. Kothari owns and operates his own travel agency, "Quick Travel Inc." since 1983. He is married and the father of two daughters.
City Council
Parag Patel (D) City Council - Edison
PARAG P. PATEL, COUNCIL CANDIDATE
EDISON TOWNSHIP
Bio: Mr. Parag Patel, Esq. Serves as legal council to the BAPS Temple (Edison), the Manavi Domestic Violence Center (New Brunswick), and the TIE-New York, Inc. Mr. Patel also serves as board member of the National Conference for Community and Justice, an organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism in America. Patel is a member of the Middlesex County and New Jersey Bar Associations with experience as a financial analyst and tax attorney. Patel received his Bachelor degree from McGill University and his Law degree from Georgetown University with a Master degree of Law from New York University. Mr. Patel is married.
Website: www.edisondemocraticorganization.com/candidates/patel.asp
Monisha Merchant (D) City Council - Holmdel
http://www.monisha.com/merchantorsini/monibio.html
George James (R) City Council - Westwood Township
See http://www.80-20nj.org/APACandidates.htm for more information.
NEW YORK CITY Council Candidates
Renu Lobo (R), 28th District (Queens)
Rene Lobo is television journalist who is currently director of community news for the International Television Network. A prominent member of the Indian community in Queens, Lobo was born in Italy and attended school in New York.
Inderjit Singh (I), 29th District (Queens)
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