New Jersey Township gets its first Indian-American Sikh mayor

NEW DELHI: Neena Singh, an Indian-American woman, has made history by becoming the first Sikh Mayor of Montgomery Township in New Jersey, IANS reported.

She was sworn in on January 4 by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman at the Montgomery Township Reorganisation Meeting. Singh, who has been a resident of Montgomery for 24 years, was unanimously chosen by her fellow Township Committee members to serve as Mayor.

Expressing her gratitude, Mayor Neena Singh said, "It's a great honor to be sworn in by trailblazer Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman as the first elected Sikh woman Mayor in New Jersey and the first Indian-American woman Mayor." She further added, "What motivates me is the spirit of service. I strongly believe that we all have a responsibility to give back, and I am fortunate to do so in a town that represents America's diversity." Singh's key priorities for this year include public safety and health.

Having previously served as Deputy Mayor and Township Committeewoman, Singh was nominated for the position by outgoing Mayor Devra Keenan and committee-woman Patricia Taylor Todd, the report said.

She has been actively involved in community work as an executive officer at STAND Central NJ, a grassroots non-profit organization, where she focused on engaging and educating voters and empowering them to participate in the democratic process.

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman praised Singh's commitment to public service, saying, "Neena Singh is dedicated to fighting for social justice, economic opportunity, and human rights for all. I am confident that she will bring her experience and passion to her role as Mayor."

As Mayor, Singh will preside over Township Committee meetings and will have the authority to appoint subcommittees with the Committee's consent. She will also have the power to issue proclamations regarding holidays and events in the township, as well as exercise ceremonial responsibilities.

Indian-American New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal congratulated Singh and highlighted her as a role model for South Asian girls across the state. "For every young South Asian girl growing up, not only in Montgomery but across New Jersey, they now have a true role model to look up to," Gopal said.

Vincent P Barragan, who has been appointed as the Deputy Mayor, expressed his pride in serving alongside a diverse team of individuals.

(With inputs from IANS)