1st Cambodian American mayor in US takes office
By PHILIP MARCELO
Associated Press
BOSTON (AP) — A refugee who survived the Khmer Rouge’s brutal regime has become the first Cambodian American mayor in the United States. Lowell City Councilor Sokhary Chau also became his city’s first Asian American mayor, following a council vote and inauguration Monday. In his inaugural remarks, Chau reflected on his family’s escape from Cambodia and Lowell’s immigrant roots. The former industrial city is home to the nation’s second-largest Cambodian community. Chau’s election follows the ascendance of Michelle Wu as Boston’s first woman and first person of color elected mayor. He’s also among the growing ranks of Cambodian American officeholders in Massachusetts.