February 6, 2026


Lies, Prejudice, and the New Council: Bridgewater Deserves Better Than Identity Politics

THIS IS THE SPEECH DELIVERED BY FORMER COUNCILMAN FILIPE PEDROSO AT THE FEB. 5, 2026 COUNCIL MEETING.

Watch 🎥 Click here to watch this full speech delivered at the Council meeting
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At the January 22nd Council meeting, I raised concerns about the direction this governing body is taking. I specifically called out the three Democratic Council members for prioritizing prejudicial, identity-based considerations over merit when making appointments to Bridgewater’s boards. More broadly, I warned against the growing tendency to judge people based on assumptions and appearances rather than facts, character, and qualifications.

As part of that discussion, I referenced a statement made by Councilwoman Isla at the Reorganization meeting, where she declared herself the “first Muslim” elected to this Council. Her personal faith is not the focus here. What matters is how the conclusion of “first” was reached—and what it reveals about the mindset behind it.

In response to my remarks at the January 22nd meeting, regarding her assertion that she is the first Muslim to serve on this governing body, Councilwoman Isla said, and I quote:

“We have fact checked everything I’ve said in my speech, so if you’d like the list we have a list of all the elected council members here since 1948. …because not only do I look for facts and I requested those before I came here and made my speech to make sure I double triple checked everything I speak out to the public.”

I did follow up and Councilwoman Isla did provide me the list she relied upon. It confirms exactly what I feared. The list contains only the years of service and the names of Council members—nothing more. No religions. No affiliations. No statements of belief. Nothing.

It is impossible to determine the religion of any individual from that list. The only way Councilwoman Isla or anyone could conclude that no prior Council member was Muslim is by judging based on how a name looks or sounds. There is no other method. That is not fact-checking. That is bias and prejudice. And it is unacceptable from any elected official.

I have friends and family who are Muslim with names as common as those on that list. In fact, my wife, Liana Pedroso—maiden name Valeeva—grew up Muslim, and her parents are Muslim. I doubt Councilwoman Isla would assume their faith based on appearances or names that don’t “look” or “sound” Muslim.

This is precisely the danger of prejudice. It reduces people to assumptions. It replaces facts with stereotypes. And when it comes from those entrusted with public power, it undermines confidence in fair and equal governance.

Prejudicial conduct by elected officials is wrong. Councilwoman Isla did not have the proof she claimed. She reached a conclusion based on prejudicial assumptions, not facts, and then presented that conclusion as verified truth to the public.

More broadly, the three Democratic members of this governing body have begun their tenure on a dangerous path—placing identity ahead of merit, narrative ahead of facts, and symbolism ahead of substance. Bridgewater deserves better. Appointments should be based on qualifications, character, and service—not on checkboxes or preconceived labels.

I hope the new Democrat Council members reflects on this approach, corrects course, and recommits themselves to governing fairly, honestly, and based on facts—for the good of Bridgewater and all its residents.

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