New York: Pulkit Desai, a US Marine veteran and technology professional, has been sworn in as mayor of Parsippany, New Jersey, becoming the township’s first Indian American mayor.
Desai, a Democrat, won the mayoral race after provisional and vote-by-mail ballots overturned an earlier lead held by Republican incumbent James Barberio.
A cybersecurity professional by training, Pulkit Desai works in the private sector for a New Jersey-based Fortune 500 company, where he has managed global technology and security teams. He is also a US Marine Corps combat veteran. Desai entered local politics after becoming involved in civic issues in the township, including disputes over voting practices in a private lake association.
The inauguration ceremony also saw Democrats Matt Kavanagh and Diya Patel sworn in to the township council, returning Democratic control of Parsippany-Troy Hills’ local government for the first time since 1984.
In brief remarks after taking office, Desai said his administration would focus on smart development, managing growth, improving public services and maintaining transparency in local governance. He said priorities would include schools, infrastructure and public safety.
