As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Mayor Stephen Thompson (born in India) has never shared his personal journey to U.S. citizenship. No story about life in Tamil India, what brought him here, or what becoming American means to him.

Cottleville’s code requires the mayor to be a U.S. citizen. Other naturalized immigrant mayors, like NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, proudly share their path with constituents. Thompson? He’s self-promoting everywhere, pushing “Stephen Thompson Day,” photo ops at every event, and talking inclusivity/transparency, while dodging basic questions about his background.

India does not allow dual citizenship. That makes openness even more important.

When questions arise about a public official’s background and eligibility, isn’t it their fundamental responsibility to provide clear answers, especially as someone from India representing a growing Indian-American population in St. Charles County?

If you are an immigrant who is a proud U.S. citizen and have truly proven your commitment to America, don’t you have a wonderful, inspiring response that would make others even more accepting and supportive?

It would be the perfect time to expand the “About” page on his website with a paragraph or two on his journey from India. Do it and this question gets put to rest.

Cottleville deserves real transparency, not selective self-promotion.

What do you think?