Chicago mayor: Indian Americans endorse Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia

Chicago IL: A prominent class of Indian American leaders converged in extraordinary show of unity to give an enthusiastic endorsement and a robust support to Jesus ‘Chuy’Garcia for Chicago Mayor at a close-knit event hosted at Holiday Inn on Northwest side of the Chicago on Saturday, March 28, 2015 in the presence of over 150 staunch supporters cross-section of community and business leaders bonded with a common objective to help elect Garcia as the next mayor of Chicago. 

The event was highlighted by the key endorsement of the Indo American Democratic Organization [IADO] with its president Mr. Ram Villivallam assuring the endorsement will be matched by a groundswell support of Indian Americans.  The endorsement of IADO – a 35 year old political organization – is expected to invoke much larger grassroots support from the Asian American voters. American Muslim Task Force On Civil Rights headed by Akhtar an Pakistani American also announced their support for Garcia.  

Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia in his remarks thanked the Indian American community for showing such incredible solidarity of support for his candidacy and assured the leaders that his administration will form a robust representation of India Americans both in the city and in the sister-city agencies. Garcia pledged that his administration will reflect the rainbow coalition of all communities coming together to make the city a vibrant city of great standing.  Garcia said that he feels very confident with the endorsement and support of the Indian American community.  Mr. Garcia assured that his administration would be alert and responsive to the Indian Americans not only from his office, but through his cabinet, his departments and other sister agencies which he presides over as Mayor. 

Jesus Garcia recalled his early migration days when he hardly spoke English in monosyllables, but in his seamless oratory he said that with his hard work, determination and love for the city has pushed him to seek the office of the Mayor of the City of Chicago.  

Iftekhar Shareef, Event Convener in his address said that the Indian American community is truly excited at the prospects and promise of Chuy Garcia as the next Chicago Mayor because he brings in a new rejuvenated energy in formulating the rainbow coalition of all communities to reflect his candidacy.  Iftekhar Shareef stridently highlighted the endorsements of several India American organizations, more importantly from Indo American Democratic Organization [IADO] which he added brings in enormous community support and their volunteer teams.  Iftekhar Shareef declared that as next mayor Jesus Garcia would be deeply endeared to the fundamental causes important to the Indian American community and that he would remain the champion to the causes of not only the Indian American community, but the Asian community at large.  

Iftekhar Shareef reminded the guests –about Chuy Garcia who has forced a run-off election against the incumbent -- that the entire nation would be watching this election and therefore appealed to the Indian American community to help Garcia win this important race. Mr. Shareef has pledged that he will put together a large contingent of volunteers from Depaul University headed by Fahad Zuberi and actively deploy them in the neighborhoods and communities to ensure that every vote is cast and counted to help push Garcia to be the next mayor. 

Earlier, Young  Azhar Shareef welcomed the guests and outlined the need for the change in the leadership at City Hall.  Azhar Shareef eloquently outlined the urgent need for the city to bring about a change that will bring a quality of life to its citizens. 

Earlier, Jesus Chuy Garcia visited Devon Avenue business community and received a rousing reception by the retail businesses. Garcia in his walk-through in the India Town on Devon Ave assured the businessmen that he will formulate a business-friendly environment by promoting small community business establishments which is a soul and character of the City of Chicago. 

Another youthful New York professional Kareem Lakhani gave a rousing introduction of Jesus Chuy Garcia as the able leader who will represent as a refreshing voice to the millions of Chicagoans. 

Prominent present at the event include Mansoor Lakhan, Sheila Lakhani, Mohammed Gilani, Ram Villivalam, IADO President, Hanumanth Reddy, ATA founder president, Kanti Patel, Babu Patel, Bhailal Patel of Gujarati community, Balvinder Singh, Dr. Jaychand  Pallekonda, Harish Kolasani, Sher Rajput, Syed Hussaini, Manoj Patel, Shabbir Patel , Keerthi Ravoori, Shakir Hussain brother of mayor Majid Hussain of Hyderabad, Shabbir Patel, Sabhat, Jamal, Jim Raim, David Shaffer, Geneva Baker.