by CYNTHIA KMETT
When she quit her job as an engineer last April, we knew that Padma Kuppa was serious about seeking the seat as Troy and Clawson’s representative in the 41st District in the Michigan House of Representatives.
She mounted an active campaign, knocking on over 7,000 doors herself, and her supporters made that total 37,000 homes. In last November’s election, she beat popular Republican Doug Tietz.
Her message has been clear: all citizens need to be fully engaged in our democracy.
She took the oath of office on Sunday, January 6 at the MSU Management Education Center with Troy City Clerk Aileen Dickson officiating and Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner acting as Master of Ceremonies. The dining room was crowded with hundreds of friends, relatives, and enthusiastic supporters.
She had words of appreciation for those who helped her get to Lansing. “I also wanted to thank you again for everything you did – the doors knocked, the dollars contributed, the drive and determination that helped us win. Because of your investment in this campaign, and commitment to our common vision for a fair and inclusive democracy, Michigan, and especially House District 41, is now a model for the rest of the country.”
“I’m honored by this opportunity to represent the people in Troy and Clawson,” Rep. Kuppa told the gathering.
“Having been actively engaged here for more than 20 years, I have a deep understanding of the issues that the people of the 41st District care about, and I am so grateful that they have given me their trust. I’m ready and excited to be their voice in Lansing.”
Kuppa had to resign her seats on both the Troy Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals, where she represented the planners. She has worked to bring people together, valuing an environment of inclusivity and transparency, which she undoubtedly hopes will characterize her service in the Legislature.
Making history as both the first Indian immigrant and Hindu in Michigan’s state Legislature, Kuppa vows to bring a fresh perspective to the House. Her first day on the floor was last
Rep. Kuppa also introduced her new legislative team, Kyle Stefanski (Constituent Services) and Harish Nandagopal (Policy) to the packed audience, and encouraged everyone to be “engaged in our democracy.”
