Sayegh Becomes First Arab American Mayor of Paterson, New Jersey
By: Udochi Esomonu/Arab America Contributing Writer
On Tuesday, May 8, 2018, New Jersey’s third largest city, Paterson, elected its first Arab mayor ever named, Andre Sayegh. Sayegh is a child of immigrants from Lebanon and Syria, thus making him a man of Lebanese and Syrian descent. He was born, raised, and currently resides in the city of Paterson, New Jersey.
This is not the first time that Sayegh has run for this position. Prior to his most recent campaign, he ran for the position of mayor two times. Sayegh didn’t let his unsuccessful two campaigns deplete his determination to help Paterson in the way he deemed the best fit. One could say: third time’s the charm!
His campaign was centered on the following slogan: “One Paterson” which covered the overall sentiment of his goal as the mayor: to bridge the cultural disparities that have existed and have fragmented the strong foundation of the city. His intention with the sentiment of a “One Paterson” mentality was to solidify the diversity present in such a large city. A city like Paterson, as large as it is, containing a population of over 147,000 people, welcomes residents from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Two of Sayegh’s most pressing issues of importance is Economic Development and Public Safety, which he immensely focused on throughout his campaign process and has advocated for throughout the years while assuming the roles in Paterson’s Board of Education and Paterson’s City Council.
Sayegh has been successful so far in his efforts to bridge together the diverse communities of Paterson in hopes of improving citizens’ overall quality of life, which continues to be his main goal and focus as the current mayor of his hometown. As he now assumes the role as the mayor, the leader of the city, he now is in the perfect position to make his vision for this city a reality.
Sayegh’s love and passion for the city of Paterson is one that continues to grow! Check out this video of Sayegh speaking about the changes that he has seen in Paterson, New Jersey:
Outside of his political career, Sayegh is a professor who teaches history, political science, and psychology at William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey, Passaic Community College in Paterson, New Jersey, and Bergen County College in Paramus, New Jersey. Not only is he active within his own city’s community, but he works throughout his city’s county to educate the minds of young students to aid in the preparation for the city’s future leaders.
Andre Sayegh’s election as Paterson’s first Arab mayor is one that has made history! Sayegh’s commitment to the citizens and to the city of Paterson itself is one that continues to drive his success thus far.
Maya Berry, Executive Director of the Arab American Institute, expressed her support and excitement for the success of Andre Sayegh, “Andre Sayegh did it exactly right. He was an active member of his local community because he cared. He took that passion and decided to run for office. Once elected, he did a great job for his constituents and he is now the mayor of his city.”
“It is also important to note the climate in which Andre ran and won. He is proud of his background and proud to serve the diverse community that elected him. He ran a race that inspired people in the middle of this divisive political climate.” Berry concluded.
Congratulations to Andre Sayegh on being the first Arab American to be elected mayor in the city of Paterson!
