Source:
Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA)
Winning 41% of the Vote, Farokhi Set for
December Runoff
November 4, 2009, Washington, D.C. - Three
Iranian American candidates were on the ballot on Election Day, November 3rd.
Amir Farokhi ran for the Post 2 At-Large seat while Bahareh Azizi ran for the
District 6 seat, both on Atlanta's City Council. Nina Mohadjer ran for the Board
of Education in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
Amir Farokhi - With final results in from Atlanta's heated City Council
race, Farokhi received 41% of the vote for the Council's Post 2 At-Large seat,
while his opponent Aaron Watson received 43%. The third candidate, Weslee Knapp,
received only 14% of the vote. Farokhi and Watson will face each other in a
run-off election to be held on December 1st. Farokhi's progress can be
attributed to his effective campaign rooted in plans to reform what he sees as
an inefficient city government that lacks the resources to effectively respond
to the concerns of Atlanta's residents and businesses. With this initial
success, Farokhi is poised to become the first ever Iranian American to hold
public office in Atlanta.
"I want to thank everyone who voted for me today. With 41% of the vote, we are
headed to a December runoff. We are ready and energized for the next month. But
we'll need your continued help to win," Farokhi stated in a message to his
supporters.
Bahareh
Azizi - Azizi was one of six candidates vying for the hotly contested
District 6 seat on Atlanta's City Council. A researcher at the Georgia Institute
of Technology, Azizi ran a passionate campaign focused on crime, the city's
budget, and transportation. Of the total 7244 ballots cast, Azizi received 507
votes and was separated from runoff finalists Alex Wong and Tad Christian by
only 1111 votes. Her efforts are sure to inspire other aspiring Iranian
Americans who are looking to enter the political arena. Azizi herself stated, "I
would hope that Iranian Americans realize that as more Iranian American
candidates run for public office, the entire community will move even further
into the political realm of this country, giving back to our community and
helping advance the lives of Iranian Americans living in the United States."
Nina
Mohadjer - Elections were held yesterday in Ridgefield, CT for the
City's Board of Education. Of the six nominated candidates for four open seats,
Iranian American Nina Mohadjer was one of the three Democratic candidates .
Mohadjer ran a campaign that promoted better fiscal policy and strengthening
negotiations between the Board of Education and Unions. Her enthusiasm to serve
on the Board was fueled by both her personal and educational background. She
came only 112 votes short of winning the fourth open seat on Ridgefield's Board
of Education.
... Payvand News - 11/05/09 ... --
