The City of Kent is one of the largest in Washington State, and the city is growing increasingly diverse.  OneAmerica Votes believes it’s vital for the Kent City Council to be representative of the immigrant and refugee communities and communities of color that call Kent home.  That’s just one reason why we’ve endorsed Hira Singh Bhullar to fill the open seat on the City Council following the resignation of Tina Budell.

Of the 36 individuals who applied for the open Council position, eight moved on to the next phase of the selection process and will be interviewed by current members of the Kent City Council.  Hira Singh Bhullar is one of the eight.

Hira ran a strong campaign for Kent City Council in 2015, when he first earned OAV’s endorsement.  He entered the race late in the process after being recruited to run by community leaders from immigrant and refugee communities in Kent.  And though he lost, his candidacy helped to inspire other immigrant and refugee community members to run for office, including Kent City Council Member Satwinder Kaur who won her election campaign in 2017.

Since then Hira has emerged as an active community leader aligned with important causes important to communities across Kent, including immigrants and refugees, lending his voice to numerous causes supported by OAV ranging from public transportation to affordable housing and immigration reform.  He has actively participated in efforts to bridge communities, break down stereotypes, and lift up the voices of marginalized and otherized communities in Kent and across Washington State.  His voice has been an important one in efforts to combat hate crimes and harassment based on race and religion.

Statement from Rich Stolz, OneAmerica Votes:

“OneAmerica Votes is proud to endorse Hira Singh Bhullar for appointment to the open seat on the Kent City Council.  Kent is a vibrant and growing community, and it is growing more diverse.  Hira will bring an important perspective to City Council, as a business leader, as a community leader, and as a leader in one of Kent’s largest and growing immigrant and refugee communities.  We’re confident that Hira will be an important bridge-builder on the City Council, highlighting Kent’s growing reputation as a welcoming community.  And we know from experience from his upstart campaign in 2015 that he’s willing to work hard for Kent, and for all of its residents.”