PACE hosts reception in honor of State Senator Steve Rhoads

Event highlights PACE’s role of civic engagement and keeping community engaged in local politics

By Mohsin Zaheer

Urdu News

New York: February 23, 2023 – The Pakistani American community in New York hosted a reception to honor the newly elected Republican State Senator Steve Rhoads. The event was organized by “Progressive American Community Empowerment” (PACE), led by Saeed Hassan, along with Adnan Bukhari, Najamul Saqib Syed, Masood Siddiqui, Waheed Ahmed, Atiq Qadri, and Kamal Tahir.

The reception was attended by several prominent members of the New York State Assembly, including Assemblyman John K. Mikulin, Assemblymember Thomas McKevitt, Assemblyman David G. McDonough, and Councilman Christopher Carini. Joe Baker, representing the South Merrick Community Civic Association, was also present at the event.

Event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Imtiazur Rahman Thanvi, Imam of Jamia Masjid Belmore. Sultana Aslam, a female member of the Bellmore Mosque, read the pledge allegiance while wearing a hijab. A large number of people from various faiths in the South Asian American community participated in the event, including elders, leaders, and other important personalities.

In his speech, Saeed Hassan congratulated Senator Steve Rhoads on his election and urged the immigrant community to be politically active, join the electoral system, and know their rights and duties.
Senator Rhoads, in his address, promised to work towards making Long Island a better place for the communities to live, grow and prosper. He pledged to be a strong voice for the immigrant communities in the state senate.

Senator Rhoads also highlighted the problems faced by the community, including public safety, housing, education, and taxes. He stressed the need for everyone to work together to solve these issues. He expressed concern about the rising crime rate in Nassau County and called for a fair system that ensures the police can properly protect the lives and property of citizens.

Assemblyman John K. Mikulin, Assemblymember Thomas McKevitt, Assemblyman David G. McDonough, and Councilman Christopher Carini, while addressing the event, alsi assured the community that they would do their best to solve their problems. They said they are public servants and their job is make sure the best representation of the people.

At the end of the ceremony, the participants cut a cake and congratulated Senator Steve Rhodes on his success as a state senator.

The event was a great success and highlighted the role of PACE in keeping the Pakistani American community active and engaged in local politics.