India-West - Thursday, February 22, 2007
Michael W. Potts
LOS ANGELES - Having distinguished himself as the first Indian American to serve on the Anaheim City Council, Harry Sidhu announced Feb. 8 that he now wants to become the first Indian American elected to the California state Senate.
"The time is right," Sidhu, who hopes to go on to represent the 33rd District in the 2008 election, told India-West in an exclusive interview.
"I gained experience in the number one city in the state, and I'd like to apply my experience of serving in government by taking it to the next level. This is an opportunity that will not open up in another eight years."
The 33rd District covers the cities of Fullerton, Torrance, Tustin, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Nigel, Laguna Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, and nearly one-third of Anaheim. Sidhu hopes to replace state Senator Dick Ackerman, who held the seat for the two-term eight year limit.
In the June primary, Sidhu is confident that he will not be facing a Democrat challenger. "This is a safe Republican district," he said, although he acknowledged that he will be contesting for the seat against Republican assemblywoman Mimi Walters, who currently represents the 73rd District.
Sidhu nevertheless feels confident. "I have done extensive research and it shows very positively that I have a very good shot in winning the primary election," he said. "My name recognition is very, very strong compared to hers, and that has motivated me in making this strong decision to move forward."
His campaign platform, through which he promises a "fresh viewpoint and a practical approach to problem solving," will focus on such significant issues as government spending, transportation, education and property rights.
Sidhu wants to place a curb on government spending at the state level. "I want to be a part of the budget process to make sure that we balance our books properly," he explained. "If we have to cut waste in the government, I want to be part of that to make sure it is done correctly."
Transportation ranks as a major issue for Sidhu. "We have a gridlock between the 91 and the 5 freeways on the approach to Orange County every morning and every afternoon for about four hours," he pointed out.
"We have some solution, but it is still under study by the Orange County Transportation Authority, and I want to make sure that I'm part of it to get resolution by getting more money from the state to solve the problem."
As far as education is concerned, these days "a lot of the American dreams for our young kids are not going to be met (because) 20 to 30 percent of the people are graduating from school can't even read or write, and I want to improve the education system at the state level as to how this is being addressed," Sidhu said.
Furthermore, those who do graduate and want to go on to college find themselves thwarted by high tuition fees. "How can you have an American dream in sending your kids to college when even the public university takes about $15,000 to $20,000 per year to go to school?" he argued.
"We need to see how we can solve that problem so that more kids can have a college education and get a better job and (so that we can) produce better engineers, doctors and ITs in this country."
When it comes to property rights, Sidhu seeks to eliminate eminent domain abuse, since he believes that "government should not take the property away from the public and give it to the private sector to build."
Last November, after Sidhu and his colleagues on the city council championed the issue, the voters approved Measure P, which allowed the city charter to be amended to prevent eminent domain abuse, "and I want to do the same at the state level," Sidhu told India-West.
After losing his first bid for a seat on the Anaheim City Council in 2000, though he ranked fourth in a field of 11 candidates, Sidhu was later appointed to serve as chairman of the city's Budget Advisory Committee. His second bid for a seat on the council was successful in 2004, when he won by more than 25,000 votes.
During his first two years on the city council, Sidhu has maintained a high profile within the Indian American community. On Feb. 11, he was in attendance with Dr. Nitin Shah and 70 other Indian American doctors who participated in a free health clinic sponsored by the Anekant Community Center and GBS Linens, held at the Brookhurst Community Center.
To wage a successful campaign for the state Senate, Sidhu expects to spend anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million. Those who wish to make a contribution should send their check to Friends of Harry Sidhu, P.O. Box 19019, Anaheim, CA 92807.
Those who wish further information on Sidhu's campaign should go to his www.joinharry.com Web site or call him at (714) 920-4151.