Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris will nominate Raj Malhi, a local businessman, to fill the vacant city council seat of Ron Smith, who resigned after winning election in April 2014.
Malhi, a restaurant owner, has been a member of the Lancaster Planning Commission since 2008; if confirmed by the full council, he will serve until April 2018, to complete Smith’s four-year term.
“I cannot think of a better person than Raj to represent our many residents and business owners,” Parris said. “His reputation throughout the Antelope Valley region is impeccable. We on the council have been very impressed by his diligent work on the planning commission, as well as his ongoing involvement in a number of community events and causes throughout the valley.”
Malhi said he is excited about the opportunity to serve on the council, adding that he has great respect for the business acumen exhibited by some of its members.
“I cannot begin to say what an honor it is to have been nominated to join [the council],” Malhai said. “My family and I have been a part of the Antelope Valley for most of our lives. This is our home, and I plan to continue doing all I can to make this one of the greatest cities in the nation.”
Malhi in 2007 was appointed to the Lancaster General Plan Citizens Advisory Committee and is a director of the Indian Cultural Association of the Antelope Valley. He has also appeared on TV Asia representing the South Asian community of the Antelope Valley.
Malhi has resided in Lancaster for 25 years and is a graduate of Quartz Hill High. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine in 1999, he quickly rose in the hospitality business—specifically hotel and restaurant services—and in 2004 opened a Quizno’s Sub franchise. He manages two Malhi’s Indian Cuisine restaurants in the Antelope Valley. The Malhi family resides in Lancaster.
