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Getting to Know Salar Melli | Candidate for ward Metis

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LCCMedia is in the process of getting to know candidates of the council elections through our Q/A series. We are grateful to Salar Meli for taking the time to answer these questions.
 Please tell us a little about yourself

I am a father, an entrepreneur and a team builder. I am a chef and a restauranteur. I coach community soccer on my spare time. My partner and I have an e-commerce business however currently my focus is on my campaign and my soccer team.

Why politics?

I am passionate about future of our community. I love Edmonton. This city has given me so much. I believe this is time for me to give back.

Why are you running for council? What are your top priorities?

I am as a coach very interested in our youth development. Our current drug abuse crisis is affecting the future of many young Edmontonians. I see everyday the pain it inflicts on our community. Homelessness is another very urgent problem that is growing in our community. These issues motivated me to run since I have also invested in Alberta Avenue and planning to raise my daughter in this community. I would like to build a community that someday our children would be proud to call home.

What happens if you do/dont win?

If I do, I will be ready to get to work and I will be a loud voice in the council for our community. I will be available to my constituents and I will be very focused and determined to make the most of my time on the council.

I am a very creative person and a solution based thinker.
If I don’t? I am here to win. I am glad that I can share my Ideas and I would hope even if I am not elected some of these ideas would help whoever is on the council.

 Can you describe your plan for women and children?

As a coach I am very involved with our youth development and I will stay involved. I believe the best investment in future is to invest in our youth. Edmonton needs to be a place where women feel safe and empowered to achieve their goals and dreams.

  What will you do to tackle problems of addiction and homelessness?

We need to harmonize our social service and build upon what is currently in place. We need social programs targeting specific problems. Not all homeless people suffer from the same problem.

We need to address problem properties. The number of problem properties in our core communities are staggering.
Keeping kids in sports is a great way to keep them away from crime. We need to invest more in youth sports.
Our homeless need better access to affordable housing.

 Are you happy with Edmonton’s infrastructure?

I believe we are doing pretty good at the moment however anything can be improved.

What will you change about unemployment?

We will need to create a favourable environment for small business in our city. City of Edmonton needs to modernize in how we view employment.Our city needs to incentivize local businesses who can provide tech services locally.

There is no justification for sending 30% of all take out food revenue in our city to some delivery company from UK.
Or 30% of all taxi revenue to a company in the US. These services can be created locally. We have the people to do it.
 How important is climate change and what will you do to make sure climate justice is at the forefront?

Climate change is the biggest issue of the day. I believe in addressing climate change we will need to first understand how Edmontonians live. Our plans need to reflect the realities of our climate and our culture.

I see a path where we can meet our climate goals and make life better for Edmontonians at the same time.
What books inform your knowledge?  What do you do for your mental health?

I read novels and philosophy books. I am also interested in psychology. To gain knowledge about the city management,I read more e-mails, documents, bylaws and such than books.

Share a quote or a poem that means something to you.
“Pain is only bearable if we know it will end, not if we deny it exists”  
Viktor E.Frankl

 

Where can we learn more about you

www.salarmelli.com

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