Sonny Dhaliwal in January will take an oath to serve as one of five that will govern San Joaquin County with its 800,000 residents, vibrant agriculture, and one of California’s strongest regions for sustained economic growth.
The 63-year old retired Santa Clara Transit Authority maintenance worker and Lathrop mayor would likely agree his upcoming oath pales to the one that he took years ago to become an American citizen.
That oath of citizenship enabled an immigrant who arrived in the United States with $20 is his pocket from his native Panjabi region of India to not just raise a family but to gain election as a San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors member.
“It is a true blessing to be able to serve,” Dhaliwal said Wednesday.
Dhaliwal topped former Manteca mayor Steve DeBrum by under 2,000 votes in an amicable race for the District 3 seat that covers Manteca, Lathrop, northwest Stockton, French Camp and the Delta region.
“Steve is a friend of mine,” Dhaliwal said while noting the two have worked on things together for the betterment of both Manteca and Lathrop.
Dhaliwal plans to continue his high level accessibility with constituents that he is known for in Lathrop.
It will include either monthly or quarterly meetings — depending on the demand — in various communities he will serve as the District 3 supervisor.
One of the first things he intends to do is sit down with Manteca elected leaders as well as city management to see how he can effectively work to address needs for the community at the county.
Dhaliwal noted the county has a tremendous impact on its 800,000 residents with its $2.8 billion budget.
The budget covers everything from social services, medical care, transportation and agriculture-related services to the various component of the criminal justice system from the jail and sheriff’s department to the courts, district attorney’s office, and the public defender.
He also promised to work with his fellow supervisors to best serve county residents.
Manteca and Lathrop are expected to benefit by the fact they entirety of both cities are included in the same supervisor district for the first time in 40 years.
Dhaliwal, when he launched his campaign 21 months ago, noted of Manteca and Lathrop that, “Our interests are the same. Our needs are the same. We need to think regionally, not locally. Our resources are limited.”
Lathrop has come a long way since Dhaliwal got involved in city government a quarter of a century ago.
*The 15,001-home River Islands planned community started selling homes.
*Firms like Tesla, United Parcel Service, In-a-Out Burger, Wayfair, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Home Depot, and Ashley Furniture opened distribution centers or manufacturing facilities.
*Retail endeavors such as Target, Save Mart, and Sprouts opened in Lathrop.
*The city has conducted major upgrades of the Louise Avenue and Lathrop Road corridors in the eastern portion of the city.
*Older parks have been renovated and new ones built.
*The city not only built a new police station but also launched its own police force instead of contracting for law enforcement services.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
