It is no surprise to those that know Ali Saleh that he opted to run for public office in the City of Bell. Not only was he born in Bell, but he attended local schools and is a proud Eagle and graduate from Bell High School. Saleh grew up playing sports in the local parks and would often be found playing baseball and football along Brompton Avenue with neighborhood kids. Today, Saleh shares his love for sports with his sons; they are regulars at the school’s football and basketball games.
The Southeast is also where he learned his strong business sense. In the 70s his parents immigrated from Southern Lebanon to the United States chasing the American Dream and they settled in Bell, raised 3 sons and started a successful business. After high school, Saleh followed in his father’s footsteps and dedicated himself to growing the family business.
Today, Saleh and his brothers co-manage a successful wholesale and retail clothing business that includes a chain of apparel stores throughout the southeast area.
It is his professional business perspective that Councilmember Saleh draws from in his elected role when reviewing Budgets and Municipal Services. Yet, it is his love of family and his commitment to his community that fuels his passion for public service. He believes that authentic good government changes—not only include ethical reforms—but laws that protect working families from unfair fee hikes in water, utility, property taxes and sewage rates. He also strongly believes in creating incentives for local businesses to spurn economic development.
Councilmember Saleh continues to call Bell his home. “In Bell, it doesn’t matter if your roots are from Tennessee, Lebanon, or Mexico, it doesn’t matter if you’re Christian or Muslim,” states Saleh. “Bell is a place where hardworking people of all walks of life live together. Where our differences give us sabor, but our similarities give us strength. These are the types of values I grew up around and want my children to grow up around, which is why I am proud to continue to make Bell my home.”
Councilmember Saleh is also an active member of his local mosque, a proud father of three sons and a daughter, a founding member of the community group BASTA (Bell Association to Stop the Abuse),and has been recognized as Democrat of the Year.