Saadiq Ali was born in Portland, Oregon. He earned a high school diploma from McDaniel High School. His career experience includes working in information technology.[1]
The ranked-choice voting election was won by Keith Wilson in round 20 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.
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There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
Total votes: 309,963
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
Saadiq Ali completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ali's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
My name is Saadiq, and I am running for Mayor of Portland because I believe in the power of determination and the importance of giving back to the community that raised me. My journey hasn't been easy, but it has shaped who I am today and fueled my passion for making a difference.
I dropped out of high school in 2022, a decision that brought its own set of challenges and doubts. However, I never gave up on my education or my future. Determined to turn things around, I went back and earned my GED. This achievement reminded me that with perseverance, anything is possible. Following this, I pursued my real estate license, a step towards my dream of becoming a real estate agent.
While working towards my real estate career, I couldn't ignore the growing crises facing Portland. Homelessness, gun violence, and economic struggles have deeply affected our community. I realized that my city needed strong, compassionate leadership, and I felt a calling to step up and be that leader.
I decided to put my dreams on hold to focus on making a real difference in the city I love. My goal is to bring transformative change to Portland by addressing these critical issues head-on. I am committed to expanding affordable housing, improving public safety, and revitalizing our local economy. I believe that by working together, we can create a safer, more equitable, and prosperous Portland for everyone.
My End Goal Is To Make A Big Different In My City And Community's In Portland.
Addressing Homelessness with Compassion and Solutions: I am committed to expanding affordable housing, improving access to mental health services, and implementing job training programs to help our homeless neighbors regain stability and independence. Together, we can ensure that everyone in Portland has a safe place to call home and the support they need to thrive.
Reducing Gun Violence and
Enhancing Public Safety: I will work to implement stronger background checks, support red flag laws, and invest in community-based violence prevention programs. By addressing the root causes of violence and enhancing mental health services, we can create safer neighborhoods for everyone in Portland.
Revitalizing Portland's Economy: I am dedicated to supporting local businesses through economic incentives, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development. By fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, we can stimulate economic growth and create more opportunities for our residents, ensuring a prosperous future for our city.
I am running for Mayor of Portland to bring transformative change to our community. Addressing homelessness, reducing gun violence, and revitalizing our economy are my top priorities. To combat homelessness, I will expand affordable housing, mental health services, and job training programs. For gun violence, I will implement stronger background checks, support red flag laws, and invest in community-based violence prevention programs. To revitalize our economy, I will advocate for tax incentives, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development. Together, we can create a safer, more prosperous Portland for all.
Looking up to your mom is a testament to the significant impact she has had on your life. Her example might inspire you because of her values, work ethic, or the way she handles challenges. Emulating her could reflect your admiration for her qualities, such as her resilience, kindness, or dedication. Following her example can guide you in making decisions that align with the principles and behaviors you respect and aspire to embody in your own life.
To gain insight into political philosophy and governance, I recommend reading "The Federalist Papers" by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. This collection of essays provides a foundational understanding of the principles behind the U.S. Constitution and the nature of democratic governance. It explores themes such as the balance of power, the role of government, and the importance of checks and balances, which are central to modern political thought and practice. For a more contemporary perspective, "The Road to Serfdom" by Friedrich Hayek offers a critique of central planning and emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and limited government.
An elected mayor of Portland should embody transparency, inclusivity, and visionary leadership. Transparency is crucial for maintaining public trust, ensuring open communication, and fostering accountability. Inclusivity is vital in a diverse city like Portland, requiring the mayor to actively engage with all communities, listen to their needs, and promote equitable policies. Visionary leadership is essential to address the city's challenges and opportunities, including housing affordability, climate change, and economic development, while fostering innovation and sustainable growth. These characteristics are fundamental to effectively serving and uniting the city's residents.
The core responsibilities of a mayor in Portland include:
1. Leadership and Vision Setting a clear vision for the city's future and leading initiatives that drive progress in key areas such as economic development, public safety, and environmental sustainability.
2. Policy Development and Implementation Working with the city council to develop and implement policies that address the needs and concerns of Portland's residents, such as affordable housing, transportation, and public health.
3. Budget Management Overseeing the city's budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and allocating resources efficiently to support public services and infrastructure projects.
4. Community Engagement Actively engaging with the community, listening to their concerns, and fostering a sense of inclusivity and participation in the decision-making process.
5. Crisis Management Responding effectively to emergencies and crises, such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, or social unrest, to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
6. Collaboration Building strong relationships with local, state, and federal government officials, as well as community organizations and businesses, to advocate for Portland's interests and secure necessary support and resources.
7. Sustainability and Innovation Promoting sustainable practices and innovative solutions to address urban challenges, enhance quality of life, and ensure a resilient future for the city.
The legacy I would like to leave would be one of positive impact and meaningful change. I would aim to be remembered for fostering a sense of community, driving sustainable and equitable development, and championing initiatives that improve people's lives. Ideally, this legacy would reflect a commitment to ethical leadership, innovative problem-solving, and the promotion of inclusivity and justice. Ultimately, I would hope to leave behind a legacy of progress and empowerment that continues to inspire and benefit future generations.
one of the significant historical events that might stand out from your early years is the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early 2020. If you were around 16 years old at that time, you would have experienced the widespread changes and challenges associated with the pandemic, including lockdowns, remote learning, and shifts in daily life. This event had a profound effect on societies worldwide and is likely to be a significant historical moment in your lifetime.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It’s celebrated for its profound exploration of themes like racial injustice, moral growth, and empathy through the eyes of a young girl. The novel’s powerful narrative and memorable characters make it a lasting classic that resonates with readers on many levels.
If I could be any fictional character, I might choose Sherlock Holmes. His sharp intellect, keen observational skills, and knack for solving complex puzzles make him an intriguing and compelling character. Plus, his adventures with Dr. Watson offer a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century London and the art of deduction.
Struggling with anxiety can be challenging, as it often impacts various aspects of life, including personal well-being and daily activities. Managing anxiety might involve developing coping strategies, such as mindfulness, therapy, or healthy lifestyle changes. Overcoming or managing anxiety effectively can lead to personal growth and resilience, and it often contributes to a deeper understanding of oneself and greater empathy toward others facing similar struggles.
To me, a mayor as a leader means embodying a vision for the city and steering it toward progress while balancing diverse interests and needs. Leadership involves setting clear goals, making strategic decisions, and inspiring the community to work toward shared objectives. It means being approachable, listening to residents, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including businesses, community organizations, and other government entities. A mayor must also be resilient and adaptable, addressing challenges proactively and guiding the city through both opportunities and crises. Effective leadership requires not only vision and decisiveness but also empathy, integrity, and a commitment to serving the public with transparency and accountability.
The mayor's top priority should be addressing the most pressing needs and challenges facing the city while fostering long-term growth and sustainability. This often involves a combination of ensuring public safety, managing and improving infrastructure, and promoting economic development. Additionally, the mayor should prioritize addressing systemic issues such as affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Balancing immediate concerns with strategic planning for the city's future ensures that both current needs and long-term goals are met effectively.
In a city where the mayor is not a member of the city council and focuses on day-to-day administration, the ideal relationship between the mayor and city council should be one of strong collaboration and mutual respect. The mayor should implement policies and initiatives developed by the council, ensuring effective execution and administration. Meanwhile, the city council should provide oversight, support, and constructive feedback to the mayor's administration.
Clear communication and regular updates are essential to align the mayor’s administrative actions with the council's legislative priorities. Both parties should work together to address issues, resolve conflicts, and adapt to changing needs. This collaborative relationship helps ensure that the city's policies are effectively executed and that the administration remains accountable to elected representatives and, ultimately, the public.
Portland is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, natural beauty, and commitment to sustainability. What stands out most is its unique blend of urban and natural environments—lush parks, scenic rivers, and nearby mountains provide a perfect backdrop to the city's dynamic neighborhoods. Portland's diverse and creative community fosters a strong sense of local pride, with a thriving arts scene, innovative food culture, and a commitment to progressive values. The city's emphasis on environmental sustainability and local business support also contributes to its distinctive character and livability.
Portland's greatest challenges over the next decade likely include:
1. **Housing Affordability**: Addressing the growing need for affordable housing and combating homelessness while managing urban growth and development pressures.
2. **Transportation and Infrastructure**: Improving and expanding transportation options to reduce congestion and enhance connectivity, while maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure.
3. **Environmental Sustainability**: Meeting ambitious sustainability goals, including reducing carbon emissions and adapting to climate change impacts, such as increased flooding and heat waves.
4. **Economic Inequality**: Tackling disparities in income and opportunities, ensuring equitable economic growth, and supporting marginalized communities.
5. **Public Safety and Crime**: Enhancing public safety while addressing concerns about crime, policing, and community relations in a manner that promotes trust and effectiveness.
These challenges require innovative solutions, effective policy implementation, and strong community engagement.
The ideal relationship between a city and state government should be collaborative and supportive, with clear communication and mutual respect. The city should work closely with the state to secure necessary resources, align on policy priorities, and address regional challenges. At the same time, the state government should respect local autonomy, recognizing that city leaders have a deep understanding of their community’s specific needs and challenges.
Effective coordination is crucial for addressing issues that cross jurisdictional boundaries, such as transportation, environmental concerns, and economic development. Both levels of government should strive to build strong partnerships, share information, and work together on initiatives that benefit the region as a whole, while ensuring that local interests and perspectives are adequately represented in state decision-making processes.
The ideal relationship between a city and the federal government should be one of collaboration and support, with each level of government recognizing the unique roles and responsibilities of the other. The federal government can provide essential funding, resources, and policy guidance that help address broad issues such as infrastructure, public health, and environmental protection.
In return, cities should leverage federal support to implement local initiatives effectively, while ensuring that their specific needs and priorities are communicated clearly. Open lines of communication and regular engagement are crucial to align federal policies with local conditions and to advocate for city-specific concerns.
The relationship should be characterized by mutual respect and cooperation, with both levels of government working together to tackle challenges that impact the broader community while fostering local autonomy and addressing the unique needs of the city's residents.
The ideal relationship between the mayor's office and law enforcement should be built on collaboration, accountability, and mutual respect. The mayor's office should provide clear leadership and direction on public safety priorities, ensuring that law enforcement strategies align with the city's overall goals and values. This includes supporting efforts to enhance community policing, address systemic issues, and ensure equitable and just practices.
Law enforcement agencies should keep the mayor's office informed about operational issues, challenges, and successes, maintaining transparency and fostering trust. Regular dialogue between the two ensures that law enforcement practices are responsive to community needs and that any concerns or criticisms are addressed promptly.
Ultimately, this relationship should aim to balance effective law enforcement with the protection of civil rights, ensuring that public safety measures are both efficient and respectful of the community they serve.
Financial transparency and government accountability are crucial for maintaining public trust and effective governance. Financial transparency ensures that government spending and budgeting processes are open and accessible to the public, allowing citizens to understand how their tax dollars are being used. This transparency helps prevent corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiency.
Government accountability involves holding public officials responsible for their actions and decisions. It includes mechanisms for oversight, such as audits, public reporting, and independent investigations. Accountability ensures that officials act in the public's best interest and adhere to legal and ethical standards.
Together, these principles foster a more engaged and informed citizenry, promote ethical behavior in public office, and contribute to the overall health of democratic institutions.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
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