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Hoboken Swears In New Jersey's First Sikh Mayor

HOBOKEN, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New Jersey's first Sikh mayor has taken office.

Ravi Bhalla was sworn in Monday as Hoboken's new leader. The former City Council member succeeds Dawn Zimmer, who decided not to seek a third term in office.

Zimmer had endorsed Bhalla in the November election, when he beat five other candidates for the job.

That campaign became heated in the closing days when doctored racist campaign fliers began circulating anonymously. The fliers had the words "Don't let TERRORISM take over our town!'' posted above a picture of Bhalla, wearing a turban.

The 43-year-old new mayor, an Indian-American born in New Jersey, has said he plans on prioritizing infrastructure, commuting and open space.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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