A Positive Campaign
Filed in Blog on Jan.23, 2009
First, I’d like to promise every voter in this city and anyone else who is interested that our campaign will be clean and positive. I would ask the same of the opposition. It’s the least we can all do to respect the voters and the democratic process. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be how the opposition views things.
We will continue to run a positive campaign, focused on ideas, vision and leadership because that’s what Bell residents deserve. See you on the campaign trail!
January 24th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Hello,
It is refreshing to see that there are new faces interested in politics in the City of Bell. I would like to know more on your stand on specific issues, such as the recent increase of taxes for waste removal and the building of a new high school in the area, and the constant nuisance of the Maywood/Cudahy Police Department patrol cars racing through our city. I would also like to see how you will plan to lessen the gap between the Muslim/Latino community. Bell is a very multi-cultural community but you cannot deny that there are divisions and it there needs to some common ground in the bussiness and recreational areas of Bell. I believe change is good for politics and you will need to convince the Lationo community that they should see beyond the names and see your points of views on specific issues in the city of Bell. Good luck and I look foward to learning more about your political platform.
Sincerely,
Sandra Ponce
Bell Raised
January 26th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Dear Sandra,
Before I address the substantive issues raised in your inquiry, I would like to thank you for your comments. We are excited at the prospect of community members becoming more actively involved in the City of Bell’s political process.
While you are correct in stating that change is good in politics, change would be great in our situation. As you may be aware, this will be the City of Bell’s second election in approximately one decade. This is an astounding statistic especially where the incumbents have not been challenged and many have earned their seats through the “back door.” This explains why some faces have changed, but the policies have remained intact. Needless to say, this must change and, as a life-long resident of this great city, I will emphatically say the time is now.
Your concern regarding the increase in tax is a legitimate concern. I do believe that this issue, just like many other concerns residents have, is readily answered by the City’s utter failure to remain fiscally responsible. We are opposed to any tax increases where those increases are not absolutely necessary to maintain the functionality of the City. Rather than increase taxes, the City has the option to better allocate its resources. The City must consciously allocate its funds rather than spread its inability to do the same to the residents.
The Maywood and Cudahy police situation is also a matter of concern that has not been previously raised. While I believe that the Maywood and Cudahy city leaders must be placed on notice that our residents will not tolerate the ever-increasing trends of a complete disregard of our traffic laws, I also believe there must be a balancing test implemented. For instance, as a staunch advocate of public safety, I do believe that there are situations where the police officers are entitled to increase their speed so that they can properly respond to criminal activity. However, I also believe that no one is above the law and any unnecessary speeding that put our residents in danger should not be tolerated.
Regarding your comments with respect to the gap between the Middle-Eastern and Latino community, I agree with you that a gap does exist; however, I am hopeful and confident that the residents want to embrace the cultural differences and learn from each other’s culture. I believe that this gap can be closed by implementing more recreational activities that take into account the cultural backgrounds of the residents. Other ways to increase interaction amongst the residents is to promote a food fair. The City can also sponsor cultural events that allow residents of the community to interact with one another in hopes that such interaction will bridge the gap between the Latino and Middle-Eastern communities
I hope I answered your concerns/comments. I again thank you for visiting the website and posting your comments. If you have any additional comments and/or concerns, we welcome them.
Very truly yours,
Hussein A. Chahine, Esq.
Ali Saleh
February 1st, 2009 at 10:11 pm
SmartVoter.org — a project of the League of Women Voter — is dedicated to the idea of positive campaigning. We ask candidates why anyone should vote FOR them — not why anyone should vote AGAINST another candidate.
We hope you’ll post your campaign info on SmartVoter very soon.
February 2nd, 2009 at 1:03 am
I think its time for diversity in the city council of Bell. Ali & Hussein are candidates that can help bridge the gap between the Latino and Middle-Eastern communities. Their involvement and leadership within the community can help establish a foundation for a thriving city with lots of potential.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:21 am
Glad to see someone trying to do Some changes in this City!..
For the past 10 years haven’t seen one thing change besides Annoying Speed Bumps and more harassing Cops…
And to note our money not be used on Expensive cars Like the other guys have done !
thank you
Klarissa Novas
February 14th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
If we are all committed to change then why don’t we hold debates to understand where all the candidates stand? It is great that you are taking time to answer this blog, but debates will be the perfect platform for the candidates to reach voters and for Bell residents to voice their concerns.
A concerned Bell resident.
February 14th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Dear Jessica AV,
Thank you very much for your comment. We agree a debate is good for the citizens to know about each candidate but there has to be a third party that can bring all candidates together. Ali and Hussein are open for any debate.
If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to either post a comment and email us directly at ali@alisaleh.com.
All the best,
Ali Saleh
Hussein A. Chahine, Esq.