PEORIA, Ill. — He says he will remain “an independent voice for the community” at the Peoria City Council. At-Large councilman Kiran Velpula makes that promise in announcing his campaign for another term.
Velpula made the announcement early Thursday, saying he intends to keep the council seat he was appointed to in June 2021.
He was appointed to serve in the seat vacated by then Peoria Mayor-elect Rita Ali.
In a news release, Velpula says he intends to break through partisan politics to listen and make decisions “based on what’s best” for the community.
An assistant professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Velpula says he wants to focus on talent development in Peoria by working with educational institutions.
“We must stop the outward migration of talented workers,” he says.
He says he also wants to help create a bio-tech corridor in Peoria in hopes of making the city a destination for bio-technology professionals, integrating with the established medical health care system here.
“I’m here as standing proof that the American Dream is alive and well right here in Peoria,” Velpula said. “This community has been very welcoming to me and my family and I want to give back and make the American Dream possible for all Peorians.”
Velpula and his wife and son live in Dunlap.
In his announcement, Velpula touts several local honors, including being recognized as a Jaycees Illinois Top 10 Young Professionals of Illinois-Medical Innovation and by Peoria Magazine as one of “40 Leaders Under 40”.
