As a general law city, Beverly Hills is governed by a five-member City
Council, which includes the Mayor and Vice Mayor. Every odd-numbered year two to
three members are elected to serve a four-year term on the City Council. After
the elections, the council convenes to choose one of its members as Mayor and
one as Vice Mayor. Mayors are traditionally picked by their fellow council
members based on seniority. Delshad will be the next in-line to become the Mayor
if reelected to the council in March.
Born in Shiraz, Delshad immigrated
to the U.S. when he was nineteen years old. He worked his way through Cal State
University and the University of Southern California playing music with his two
brothers at weddings, Christmas parties, and Bar Mitzvahs. After obtaining his
degree in electrical engineering, Delshad embarked on a career in Computer
Technology, going into business for himself in 1978 in the then-new field of
Computer Storage Technology. His company's products were marketed and sold
throughout the world.
A strong believer in public service and community
engagement, Delshad is actively involved in several Southern California and
Beverly Hills humanitarian, cultural, educational, and civic and social
organizations and groups. He is the President of Magbit Education Foundation,
which raises funds and distributes interest-free loans to college students. From
1999 through 2001, Delshad served as the President of the Sinai Temple, marking
the first time an Iranian American was selected to head one of the largest
synagogues in the U.S.
Before running for the City Council in 2003,
Delshad spent countless hours attending council meetings and studying city
ordinances. "I decided to run for City Council because I wanted to give back to
the Beverly Hills community and set an example for others to follow. As an
Iranian American, I wanted the City Council to have the benefit of my business
background and understanding of cultural issues," says Delshad.
Delshad's landmark election in 2003 was also a testament to the growing
influence of the Iranian American community in Beverly Hills. By most estimates,
the Persian community comprises as much as a 1/5 of the city's population.
"Iranian Americans played an important role in my 2003 campaign," says Delshad.
"They helped spread my message to voters by hosting campaign events,
participating as volunteers, and serving on various committees on my campaign."
In his office in City Hall, Delshad proudly exhibits campaign pins and election
flyers written in Farsi. In 2004, Delshad introduced and helped pass a city
ordinance making Beverly Hills the only city in the country to publish voter
guides in both English and Farsi.
Since his election, Delshad has
encouraged Iranian Americans to actively participate in the American civic and
political process. "Iranian Americans have made significant contributions to
American society, and they should not be ignored nor taken for granted," Delshad
explains.
As a council member, Delshad has worked to make Beverly Hills
a safer and more secure community for all. With his background in computer
technology, he was instrumental in bringing forward "Smart City" initiatives for
wireless technology, security camera technology for traffic control, and
security for businesses and schools. Delshad believes that it is important to
emphasize growth that benefits the city directly. As Mayor, his priorities will
include expanding "Smart City" safety and traffic improvements, improving
traffic flows through Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevards, and enacting a City
Code of ethics to restrict undue influence on behalf of special interests.
Delshad and wife, Lonnie, have resided in Beverly Hills for the past 18
years. They have two children, Debra and Daniel, who are graduates of Beverly
Hills schools and the University of Southern California.
Click
here to support Jimmy Delshad's
reelection efforts.
