Earlier this year, I made the decision to run for public office for the first time. I have lived in Parsippany since I was a child, graduating from Parsippany Hills High School and currently residing in Powder Mill. As a Parsippany graduate and a business analyst, I felt that my experience would be an asset to our Board of Education, and joined two other fantastic candidates to run in this election.

Since starting my campaign, I have had the opportunity to speak with hundreds of voters, discuss the important issues impacting our school district, and participate in a candidate’s forum hosted by the PTA. The issues we face at the school board level are complex, and residents of Parsippany have a variety of opinions on how best to run our schools. My interactions with residents of all political leanings have largely been positive, and I have learned a tremendous amount from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike.

For those reasons, I was shocked to see a public comment on my campaign Facebook page this Sunday from Ms. Natalie DeVito, stating, “LOOKS LIKE PARSIPPANY IS IRAQ NOW.”

Let me be clear: Ms. DeVito’s comments are not representative of the Parsippany I know. Parsippany residents of all backgrounds are proud of our diverse community. Our schools are amongst the most diverse in Morris County. Parsippany, as long as I’ve lived here, has been a welcoming community that does not just accept multiculturalism; we embrace it.

When I chose to run for office, I expected to face tough questions and have respectful disagreements on the important issues. I’ll admit, having grown up here, that I did not expect racist attacks.

So, I say this to Ms. DeVito: I am a proud American-born daughter of Pakistani immigrants. I have as much right to live in and serve Parsippany as anyone else. 99% of this township’s residents would be disgusted by what you posted. Your comments don’t deter me from seeking office; they fuel me. Nice try, but I am not going away.

Aisha Mahmood