Prabu Selvam – Candidate for County Council At-Large (Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series)

This post is part of the Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series. If you are a candidate who did not receive the questionnaire via email or need more information, please visit our contact form. The information in this post is based on responses submitted by the candidate and does not represent the views of Moderately MOCO.

Basic Information

Political Party: Democrat

Campaign Website: www.prabuselvam.com

Social Media: Instagram, Facebook

Why Are You Running For Office?

I am running for office to uplift those who are often left behind and to build a community where all of us can thrive. My life has been defined by service and standing beside others when they feel most vulnerable. My desire to be a source of courage, advocacy and strength for others is what inspired me to serve in the U.S. Air Force, become an ER doctor and work for a nonprofit humanitarian organization. At a time when so many of the things we value, including democracy, immigrant rights, housing, the environment and our economic future are under threat, I knew I needed to get in the fight. I was born and raised in Montgomery County, as the son of immigrants. There is so much I want to give back and I’m dedicated to building that brighter future for my son and for our next generation.

What Is The Biggest Issue Facing Voters In This Race?

Affordability is the single biggest issue I hear from voters, and this is tied to so many aspects of our life. Affordable housing is especially challenging when so many have lost good paying jobs with federal fundings cuts and housing supply in our county is not enough for the people living here. Healthcare access is getting stripped away from so many, and this places another major burden on other expenses families must deal with.

What Experience Best Prepares You For This Role?

I was born and raised in Montgomery County as the son of immigrants. I’m a product of our public schools. After studying mechanical engineering in college and completing a masters in public health, I went on to become an ER doctor. Serving in the U.S. Air Force as an officer, I led teams of people from around the U.S., from every cultural and political background. When deployed to Afghanistan, held fallen American soldiers in my arms and truly understood the value and the cost of our democracy. As an ER doctor I have to make life-saving decisions everyday, and I connect with people and their families on the deepest level as I provide care and advocate for their needs. In my full-time job currently at a humanitarian non-profit, I travel around the U.S and the world, helping communities recover after disaster. I work with community leaders, local, and national governments to deliver results when the stakes are high and the time is short. These experiences have prepared me to be a courageous, compassionate and results-driven leader for Montgomery County.

What Would You Like Voters To Know About You Personally?

I am a husband and a father. My five year-old son is the greatest inspiration for my County Council At-Large run. I am of the generation that is supporting aging parents and a grandmother, while parenting and balancing all the responsibilities I have to those who I love. Working a full-time job and a part-time job while being fully present for my family at home, I understand the lives of our working and middle class families. My parents came to the U.S. with nothing to their name, and after moving between apartments in Rockville, we were able to eventually buy a home and build a life in Montgomery County. I will never forget where I came from and how important it is for us to ensure the same opportunities for our current and next generations.

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