Suri Dhaliwal Tech Mom Turned Advocate: In the heart of San Jose’s District 8 City Council race, Surinder “Suri” Kaur Dhaliwal, a tech-savvy neighborhood mom with a strong commitment to her Sikh faith and community, has thrown her hat into the political arena. A seasoned professional with a tech background, Dhaliwal’s journey includes working for industry giants like Meta and Google. Her decision to enter the race is driven by a deep sense of community service and a desire to advocate for the most vulnerable residents.
Having spent her teenage years in the Evergreen area, Dhaliwal is intimately familiar with the challenges and aspirations of her community. A graduate of Mount Pleasant High School and Heald College with an accounting degree, she brings both a local perspective and a professional background to her candidacy. Her recent departure from the tech industry, where she held positions with major players, reflects a shift in focus towards her faith and family.
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Challenging incumbent Councilmember Domingo Candelas, Dhaliwal aims to be a voice for parents who, like her, are navigating through various challenges. Her life experiences, including overcoming an abusive marriage and fighting for custody of her son, have instilled in her a profound commitment to investing in communities facing similar hardships.
Dhaliwal’s platform is centered around key issues affecting the district. Public safety is a top priority, and she envisions reforms within the police department. Her perspective emphasizes the need for law enforcement to uphold the laws they are sworn to protect, addressing concerns such as speeding violations that contribute to residents feeling unsafe.
In addition to public safety, Dhaliwal is determined to curb vices impacting the city, such as smoking and gambling. She proposes measures to restructure rules around liquor and smoke shop licenses, advocating for a decrease in their number and an increase in the distance between these establishments and schools. Her stance aligns with a growing concern about smoke shops being associated with illegal marijuana sales, with support for a potential moratorium on smoke shop licenses.
Addressing the issue of unsheltered homelessness, Dhaliwal’s plan involves an increase in temporary supportive housing sites, eventually transitioning individuals to permanent housing. Her comprehensive approach reflects a commitment to holistic solutions to complex problems.
Dhaliwal’s candidacy has garnered support from various quarters, including individuals like Liz Chaboya, a retired physical education teacher. Chaboya commends Dhaliwal for her honesty and candor in addressing the city’s pressing issues. Their connection dates back to Dhaliwal’s high school years, and Chaboya highlights the need for more transparent and community-focused leadership in local government.
As Dhaliwal navigates the District 8 City Council race, her unique blend of tech expertise, community engagement, and a compassionate commitment to addressing social challenges positions her as a candidate worth watching. The coming months will reveal the extent to which her vision and approach resonate with the diverse voices of San Jose’s District 8.