Sam Joshi Sworn In As Mayor Of Edison, Calls For 'Unity'

EDISON, NJ — On Jan.1, Sampi “Sam” Joshi, took his oath of office as the next Mayor of Edison Township. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the J.P. Stevens High School, Joshi’s alma mater. Joshi is the first Indian-American and the youngest mayor of Edison.

Joshi was sworn in by Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, also a graduate of J.P. Stevens. His running mates Margot Harris, Nishith Patel, and John Poyner were also sworn in as council members in front of family, friends, and township employees.

“Today, Edison has among the most diverse population in the U.S. Edison is home to every culture, religion, ethnicity and every economic status,” Joshi said. “The demographics of Edison compare like greater America and because of this, we are uniquely positioned to be a catalyst of unity in our society, but it is up to us to bring that change.”

Joshi said the township needs to look at the “bigger picture” and move beyond the stagnation and divisions of the past.

The son of Indian immigrants who moved to the United States around 34 years ago, Joshi spoke about getting involved in local government at the age of 14.

“I first entered the halls of government at the age of 14, learning up close from people who were on the frontline of service. I saw that local government can make a difference in people’s lives and can deliver progress faster and more urgently than any other level of government,” he said.

With that experience in mind, I can promise to you now, we will set a new standard of excellence in local government, and I will do my best each and every day to run a modern, efficient, honest government that residents can be proud of.”

Ahead of this first township address, scheduled for Feb. 22, the Joshi administration will announce timelines for goals and making appointments to key positions.

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