Politics & Government

Mayor Anwar Takes Office on Historic Night in South Windsor

Tuesday night's swearing in ceremony was marked with smiles, applause and standing ovations for South Windsor's new mayor, Dr. M. Saud Anwar. 

The evening was held to officially welcome the town's newly elected officials, including those on the Town Council, Board of Education, Planning and Zoning, Constables and Board of Selectmen. 

Rabbi Jeffrey Glickman unpacked the moment by reflecting on how diversity is both a source of the town's strength and somewhere that the image of God is made known.

"If you want to know what God looks like, you'll have to look at lots of different human beings," Glickman said. "...Civilization is diversity coming together."

The night was historic, he said.

"The very first time any town or city in the state of Connecticut has elected a mayor of the Muslim faith. Incredible."

Councilor Keith Yagaloff offered the motion to nominate Anwar as mayor.

"He is a physician and he is a husband, father, a humanitarian. He cares about all people regardless of their race, religion... and he's the kind of person you want around because his moral compass is pointed in the right direction and you kind of hope that some of that will wear off on you," Yagaloff said. 

Jan Snyder seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved to thunderous applause.

As Anwar gave his remarks he proved Yagaloff's description to be accurate.

The new mayor thanked his family - wife Yusra, whom he called an inspiration, his sons Taha and Taseen, who are the reason he strives to make the world a better place, and his parents who instilled in him his values. He thanked his in laws, seated with his mother, for his wife.

Anwar said he had learned from former mayor Tom Delnicki, who showed fairness and impartiality, and he thanked former councilors Cindy Beaulieu, Kevin McCann and Gary Bazzano for their service. 

In fact, he recognized each of the councilors, "as members of our team. We all have a shared goal. While we may differ in some things, we all have the goal of making our town better."

He pledged to be accessible, transparent and fair. To facilitate that, he said he would double his usual monthly office hours, making himself available to residents every two weeks. He urged residents to participate in the council meetings and to keep them in check. 

Anwar also said he would work to attract businesses in order to grow the grand list and reduce the tax burden. 

He remembered those who are struggling financially in South Windsor and announced he would have the mayor's stipend directly transferred to the food and fuel bank. 

To the people of South Windsor, he said "You are what makes this town beautiful, what makes it a great place to raise a family. You are an inspiration to all of us."


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