Washington, Jan 5 (NationPress) Pulkit Desai, a veteran of the US Marine Corps and a professional in technology, has officially taken the oath as the mayor of Parsippany, New Jersey, marking his position as the township’s first Indian American mayor following a tightly contested election.

Desai, representing the Democratic Party, emerged victorious in the mayoral contest after provisional and mail-in ballots shifted the initial lead held by Republican incumbent James Barberio. The final tally revealed Desai’s win by a slight margin, with Democrats also clinching two council seats, thereby gaining control over the township council. The swearing-in ceremony occurred on Saturday.

In his inaugural interview post-election, Desai shared with IANS that his administration's primary goals would involve managing growth while enhancing local services. “Our foremost aim is to ensure that Parsippany evolves intelligently,” he stated. “We aim to halt the overcrowding that has transpired, while also focusing on smart commercial development to attract businesses.”

He emphasized the importance of schools and public services in guiding town policies. “For any educational needs, we intend to allocate all necessary funding to the education board,” Desai remarked. He also highlighted “public infrastructure” and “public safety” as continual focal points.

Desai asserted that his leadership would be characterized by transparency. “The cornerstone of my administration will be transparency and accountability,” he mentioned. “I pledge honesty to the residents of Parsippany in all my actions.” He insisted that decisions should be made openly, with “no backroom deals” and “nothing concealed” in the township governance.

With a substantial Indian American community in Parsippany, Desai recognized the importance of such representation while ensuring fair treatment for all. “I must treat everyone equally,” he stressed, noting his role as a representative voice for Indian Americans in the township. He described the election victory of himself and council member Diya Patel as “a significant milestone.”

Desai traced his path to public office back to his early days in the US. “I arrived at a very young age,” he recounted. After finishing his education, he joined the US Marine Corps, serving for six years, including during Desert Storm. He subsequently spent three decades in the technology industry, transitioning from mainframe systems to cybersecurity roles.

His foray into politics began with a dispute over voting rights while he served as president of a local lake association. He noted that residents were once obligated to pay an extra fee to vote. “No one should have to pay additional fees just to cast their vote,” he stated, calling the fee a poll tax. This struggle motivated him to engage more broadly in civic activities, ultimately leading him to the mayoral position.

Parsippany is the largest township in Morris County and has experienced notable demographic shifts in recent years. Local media have characterized the new administration as historic, highlighting that Asian Americans now represent the largest ethnic group in the community, and that the current council includes the first elected officials of Indian descent.