Siv Panicker wins as Plainfield Village Trustee in Illinois

Chicago: 
Siv Panicker, former national president of the India Press Club of North America and director of Kairali TV, has won unopposed as a trustee of Plainfield Village in Illinois. This is the first time an Indian has contested and won here.

The election was held on April 1. He will be sworn in the first week of May. Plainfield, with a population of about 55,000, is a wealthy village about 35 miles from Chicago. The voters are 28,000. Of these, only a little over 1,500 are Indians. 

The village is governed by a board of six trustees and the village president (mayor). Four people were in the running for the three trustee positions. However, all three won unopposed after one was disqualified. The Republican Party supported  Panicker, although the election is not on party basis. 

Incumbent Mayor John Argoudelis was re-elected for a second term in the mayoral race.  Panicker's election committee consisted of the following: Campaign Chair - Dale Fontana; Co-Chair - Raj Pillai; Secretary - Shibu Kurian; Members - Shishir Jain, Madan Pamulapathy, Rajan Madassery, Subash George

Panicker promised to uphold American values. As a trustee, his main goals are to reduce the growing tax burden and ensure that the village of Plainfield is more affordable and safe for families and children.

In an interview with a local newspaper, he said that no one in his family is in politics. Panicker, who arrived in the US in 1995 with a degree in physics, earned several certifications in information technology. He worked as a software engineer and run successful businesses. He worked in everything from web design to managing grocery stores and medical offices. Now, he points out, his vast experience as well as, being a full-time stock trader qualifies him to serve as a trustee.

‘However, qualifications alone are not enough. You deserve a representative who will not only listen to you, but also stand by you to make sure your concerns are addressed. If elected, I will treat your problems as mine and work tirelessly to make Plainfield a place everyone is proud of,’ he assured.

Another goal is a drug-free community. Since drug abuse is a threat to everyone, it affects youth and adults, schools, workplaces and families. He assures that he will be at the forefront of working and playing together, reaching out to people from all ethnic, economic and religious backgrounds, and actively promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Environmental protection is another promise. Nature is the foundation of our health and well-being. If we do not care for the Earth, its climate and ecosystems, it will be detrimental to our well-being.

Another is a safe place for families and children. A safe place for families and children is essential for their healthy development, as it fosters a sense of security and allows and encourages emotional well-being.

Creating more job opportunities and improving education are also on the agenda. Asked why voters should trust him, he pointed out that he has lived in the area with his family for the past 30 years. He has built strong relationships with his neighbors and customers. This has reinforced his commitment to integrity and trustworthiness.

‘What really matters is a leader who listens, understands, and acts with integrity. A representative who advocates for your concerns and makes sure they are addressed. I will do everything in my power to help my community.’

His wife has been a physician in the area for 25 years. They have two children