Meet Edesa Bitbadal: Front Runner Candidate for San Jose City Council
April 23, 2012, San Jose, CA – Edesa Bitbadal, a long time resident of San Jose, CA with over fifteen years working effectively in Government and assisting businesses, is a candidate for the city’s Council District 10. Bitbadal is one of six candidates running for this office and is considered the front runner in the race. U.S. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, State Senator Elaine Alquist, San Jose Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen, and San Jose Councilmember Nancy Pyle, are among the many community leaders, public officials, and organizations who have endorsed her campaign.
Born in Abadan, Iran, Bitbadal moved to the United States with her family in 1985. She is a graduate of Leland High School in Almaden Valley and earned a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from San Jose State University.
As the current Vice Chair of the San Jose Planning Commission and a former Redevelopment Officer for the city, Bitbadal has worked to develop policies to support San Jose residents and small businesses including fiscal reform policies, women’s health education efforts, public safety programs, homework centers, job creation strategies, and environmental protection initiatives.
A proponent of celebrating Iranian culture and heritage, Bitbadal has, for the last four years, asked the City of San Jose to recognize the Iranian New Year. At her request, Pars Equality Center received The Iranian New Year Proclamation by Councilmember Pyle and Mayor Chuck Reed of San Jose.
“When I was a Chief of Staff to Councilmember Chu, my business card had a translation in Farsi written on the back of the card,” Bitbadal tells PAAIA. “I am very proud of my background and heritage and always do my best to ensure that greater community recognizes the contributions of Iranian Americans and their positive impact to the United States.”
In terms of fundraising, experience, and background, Bitbadal is the strongest candidate in the race. She has taken the lead in campaign cash among the six candidates hoping to succeed Councilmember Pyle. Since mid March, Bitbadal has raised over $86,000 for her campaign and hopes to raise an additional $35,000 to reach the cap of $121,000 before the June primary election.
“I am running for public office because District 10 and the San Jose residents are facing some challenging times,” Bitbadal explains. “I’ll utilize my ten years of experience working at San Jose Redevelopment and as Vice Chair of the Planning Commission to streamline government, help small businesses grow, and create sustainable job growth.”
Bitbadal plans on reaching voters through direct mail, online advertising, and direct voter contact. “District 10 has the highest number of Iranian Americans in San Jose. Reaching out to the voters will be key to the success of this campaign.”
Click here to learn more about Edesa Bitbadal’s campaign.
For information on Iranian Americans for Edesa Bitbadal Reception on April 29th in San Jose please click here.
If you have any questions regarding the campaign of Edesa Bitbadal or are interested in volunteering for her campaign, please contact her campaign at (408) 316-7988 or by email at info@edesa2012.com.
