- Rushi Patel, who co-owns several hotels in the Houston area with his brothers-in-law, was inspired to increase his civic involvement after becoming a member of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce
- Helping growing businesses will lead to more job opportunities for the area
NE NEWS SERVICE
CHANGA, JUNE 4
Globe-trotting Gujaratis, especially from Charotar region, mingle with locals in their place of settlement. Apart from running businesses successfully, they dabble in politics too. One such visionary Rushi Patel, a Certified Public Accountant, has become the first Asian-American to be elected on the Pearland City Council in Texas in the United States of America (USA). Patel, who has been elected to the 7th Position, won his race against Antonio Johnson on May 6, garnering over 57 per cent of the votes, a release from Charusat University said on Saturday.
Patel, who co-owns several hotels in the Houston area with his brothers-in-law, was inspired to increase his civic involvement after becoming a member of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce.
Patel, who moved to the United States with his parents from India when he was nine-years-old, received his undergraduate degree in business administration in accounting and a graduate degree in taxation from the University of South Carolina. He also has a CPA degree (Certified Public Account) like his father, Bipin Patel. He worked at the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers for more than two years, the statement added.
Charusat University also added that Patel’s father is a Chartered Accountant and internal Auditor of Charusat University and Shri Charotat Moti Sattavis Patidar Kelavani Mandal, Changa, Gujarat, India. Patel’s first hotel, Hampton Inn by Hilton, on West Broadway in Pearland, opened in 2003.
Patel to focus on infra, business, & water
Water security in Pearland comes at a cost but people would rather have water running through their tap than the shortages some face in Arizona, said Rushi Patel who co-owns several hotels in the Houston area with his brothers-in-law.
The city is building a surface water treatment plant on its west side to draw from the Gulf Coast Water Authority’s American canal to supply up to 10 million gallons of water a day and decrease Pearland’s dependence on the city of Houston for water.
“I don’t think our challenges are special,” said Rushi Patel and added, “They are not unique. I think everybody in the (Washington D.C.) metropolitan area is probably facing the same challenges.”
He believes drainage issues need to be addressed to prevent flooding and looks forward to projects that will be funded through a $81.4 million bond package approved during the May 6 election.
Helping growing businesses will lead to more job opportunities for the area, he said
“Our economic development corporation has over $14 million in annual revenue that comes in through sales tax and that’s great tool if used correctly,” said Rushi Patel.
This revenue could help reduce the burden on taxpayers while providing quality jobs, he said.
Mentors
Patel said his sister and brother–in–law convinced him to build and manage a hotel with them in Pearland. In 2001 Patel moved to Pearland. His first hotel, the Hampton Inn by Hilton on West Broadway in Pearland, Opened in 2003.
Patel was inspired to increase his civic involvement after becoming a member of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce.
“I had a great mentor and friend Mrs. Carrol who was a chamber president, said Patel. She told me, “You either shut up or get involved. That’s when I realized, ok, instead of just complaining, I’m gonna get involved in different things.”
This inspired Patel to serve on boards for groups such as hospitals and the Pearland Economic Development Corp.
Family first
Patel and his wife did not want him to run for a council seat in previous years because she wanted him available to spend time with their kids. But she was supportive of his candidacy for the May election since their kids are now aged 11 and 13, he said.
