New York, USA (CU)_ A first-generation Indian American woman defeated Tyler Bailey in the election for City Council-at-large in Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Aditi Srivastava Bussells, who campaigned as an independent candidate, became South Carolina’s first Indian American woman elected to the local level in the history of the state. She will take office as an at-large member-elect of the Columbia City Council in South Carolina on January 4, 2022.
Bussells is a staunch supporter of Columbia’s economic development, community investment, and equal opportunities. She is a firm believer in the notion that a healthy community and economy go hand in hand. Her election campaign claims that she has firsthand knowledge of the benefits that a dynamic community can give for the success of children and families.
This conviction has kept her motivated and involved in public service, whether it is assisting communities in making informed scientific decisions or fostering cross-sector collaboration to develop new solutions to challenges. She ran for office because she felt that everyone, regardless of where they live in, is entitled to equal opportunity to succeed. According to her opinion, the government should be answerable to the people rather than to the politicians.
While campaigning for the council, she spoke about her future plans to serve the community. She said, “From knocking on doors to ensure residents complete their census to providing expert guidance on public health in the city, my goal has always been to ensure our communities have the resources and knowledge they need and their voices are heard.”
Bussells works as a public health researcher and is in charge of a number of state-wide projects that promote family and child health and well-being. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Ph.D. in public health. Louis Bussells, her husband, is also a frontline worker and an army officer.
