By Harry Sidhu
The Foundation of My Journey
When I reflect on my journey—from arriving in America as a young immigrant to eventually serving as Mayor of Anaheim—one thing becomes clear: it all comes back to values. Not just political beliefs, but the deep, personal values that guide how I live, how I lead, and how I serve.
For me, three things have always been central: faith, family, and public service. These are the pillars that shaped my decisions, kept me grounded through challenges, and reminded me why I chose to serve in the first place. In times of triumph or controversy, these values have never wavered. They are my compass.
Faith: A Source of Strength and Purpose
My faith has been a powerful source of strength throughout my life. As a Sikh, I was taught early on the importance of humility, service to others, and standing up for what is right. Those lessons have remained with me, no matter where life has taken me.
In public service, faith doesn’t mean pushing religious beliefs on others—it means leading with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to doing good for your community. It means staying honest, even when it’s difficult. It means remembering that every person, regardless of background or belief, deserves to be treated with dignity.
Faith also gives you resilience. There were many times in my life when the road wasn’t easy. I started out working as a janitor, then became an engineer, a small business owner, and eventually a public servant. That path came with setbacks and criticism, like it does for anyone in leadership. But my faith reminded me to stay steady, to stay humble, and to keep going.
Family: The Heart of Everything
Next to faith, family has been my greatest support system. My wife, Gin, and our children have stood by me every step of the way. Whether I was working long nights at my small business or navigating the pressures of public office, their belief in me never wavered.
Family teaches you the value of loyalty, patience, and responsibility. It teaches you to think beyond yourself. When I made decisions as mayor—whether about housing, jobs, or public safety—I didn’t just think like a politician. I thought like a husband and a father. I asked myself, “How would this affect my family? My neighbors? The next generation growing up in this city?”
Public service can be demanding. It often pulls you away from those you love. But when your foundation is strong—when your family is with you in spirit and in purpose—it becomes your greatest motivator. You fight harder. You care deeper. You don’t give up.
Public Service: A Calling, Not a Career
Some people enter politics for attention or ambition. That was never my reason. For me, public service was a way to give back to the country and the community that gave me so much.
When I first came to the United States, I didn’t have much—but I had opportunity. I built a life here. I started businesses. I raised a family. I lived the American Dream. Public service was my chance to make sure that dream stayed alive for others—especially for those who feel unseen or unheard.
Good governance isn’t about popularity or power. It’s about doing the hard work—often behind the scenes—to make life better for real people. It’s about fixing potholes, supporting small businesses, improving parks, and listening to the concerns of everyday residents.
It also means making tough decisions. You won’t please everyone. But if you lead with faith and treat people like family, you’ll always come from a place of sincerity.
The Values That Guide Tough Decisions
During my time as Mayor of Anaheim, we faced many challenges—from economic struggles to housing pressures to navigating the pandemic. These were not easy times. But in every decision, I turned back to my values.
Would this decision protect the most vulnerable? Would it strengthen families? Would it build trust between residents and their government?
There’s no manual for leadership. But when your actions are guided by core values, you lead with clarity and conscience. You don’t act out of fear or ego. You act with a sense of responsibility to something greater than yourself.
A Message to Future Leaders
To those who hope to serve in public office, my message is simple: never forget where you come from, and never lose sight of why you started. Politics will test your patience, your character, and your values. But if you stay rooted in who you are, you will be able to lead with strength and compassion.
Faith will keep you grounded. Family will keep you motivated. And public service, when done with humility and heart, will leave a lasting impact.
At the end of the day, we’re not remembered for the titles we held. We’re remembered for the lives we touched, the communities we strengthened, and the example we set.
That’s the kind of legacy I strive for—and one I hope others will carry forward.