Washington: Maryland Governor Wes Moore has praised the growing role of Asian Americans in his administration, telling an Indian American gathering that diversity was also about appointing the most capable people.
“The AAPI community runs deep in this administration,” Moore said. “And it’s not just because we believe in diversity, it’s because we believe in working with the best.”
Moore spoke at a re-election fundraiser at the Maryland residence of eminent Indian American physician Dr Arul Vigg. Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, elected officials, entrepreneurs, doctors and community leaders attended the event.
The temperature was still near 80 degrees when the outdoor programme began. Guests gathered around a makeshift stage outside Dr Vigg’s red-brick home.
Dr Vigg, a kidney specialist who studied medicine in India before completing his residency in Ohio, said his parents had travelled from India for the event.
Their “love, sacrifice, and lifelong example have shaped the person I am today,” he said.
Moore highlighted Asian American officials holding senior positions in Maryland. He cited Susan Lee, Sanjay Rai, Portia Wu and Meena Seshamani among those serving in his administration.
He reserved particular praise for Miller, his Indian-born lieutenant governor. Moore described her as a friend, partner and guide.
“When we talk about what is the moral compass of the Moore Miller administration, you do not have to look any further than our Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller,” he said.
Miller said the gathering reflected the immigrant community’s belief in opportunity and civic responsibility.
“As an immigrant, when I look across this room and see our AAPI community, we all believe in the American dream,” she said.
Miller cited Indian American entrepreneur Anil Sharma, who she said arrived in the United States “with $100 in his pocket” and later built a billion-dollar company, 22nd Century Technologies.
“You bring success, you earn success, but you give back to your community,” she said.
Moore also contrasted Maryland’s policies with those of President Donald Trump. He criticised federal job cuts, immigration operations and the use of the National Guard in neighbourhoods.
“In Maryland, we decided to move different, that in Maryland we decided to move together to work in partnership with local law enforcement and also community groups,” Moore said.
He said Maryland’s violent crime rate had fallen nearly 60 per cent during his tenure. Miller also credited him with reopening the shipping channel 11 weeks after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
The governor urged supporters to campaign for another Moore-Miller term.
“While there has been progress, we know the job is not done and we are ready to finish the job,” Moore said.
Moore became Maryland’s first Black governor in January 2023. Miller, a former state legislator and transportation engineer, became Maryland’s first immigrant and first woman of colour to serve as lieutenant governor.
(IANS)
