Dr. Ali

Thank You All

2010-11-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

I will begin by saying thank you to my family, friends, staff, volunteers and of course the voters. We were pitted in a year when it was not lucky to be a Democrat, but I stood by this party because of my principles. I see this loss as a stepping stone to something greater, if not for me, but for someone to come.

I congratulate Lyle Larson for winning the seat as my new state representative and that of everyone in district 122. The people have spoken, and as a supporter of democracy, I accept their decision. I may not have been born in the U.S., but there are reasons why I stay here. Our ability to choose our leaders makes us free, and also holds our leaders accountable to us.

I may not have won today, but I'm still proud that I ran for this seat. It was an experience I will never forget. Perhaps with the guidance of God, I will be led to a better calling. I am still here, and I don't plan to go away. To all the people who helpled me, and to all the friends I made along the way, thank you and God bless you.

BexarMet is Draining You Dry

2010-10-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are stuck in a Bexar Metropolitan Water District here in Bexar County, please watch out for my new mailer hitting your mailbox this week. I've met too many people who can't stop complaining about the bad service and high water prices of BexarMet. When I'm elected, I will fight for legislation that will give you the right to choose SAWS over BexarMet. Below is a sample of what you will receive.

Back on the Radio

2010-10-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

I've been given the opportunity to once again debate my opponent Lyle Larson on live radio. On Thursday, Oct. 21 tune in to 550 AM at 10:00 in the morning and listen to me explain why I'm the best candidate to represent district 122. This is the best way for you and your family to get to know me more. This is important for everyone who lives in district 122. If you want to know what district you live in, and all the other leaders who represent where you live, put your street address at this Web site.

http://apps.bexar.org/webapps/html/elstrinq02.asp

Also, early voting has begun this week and will continue till Friday, Oct. 29th. As long as you have your driver's license and have registered, you can vote. All early voting sites can be seen at this Web site.

http://www.bexar.org/elections/EarlyVote/20101102EVCALENDAR.pdf

Early Voting has Begun

2010-10-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

Early voting runs October 18-29. Please visit the link below for all early polling sites and timings.

http://www.bexar.org/elections/EarlyVote/20101102EVCALENDAR.pdf

Please vote for Masarrat Ali for State Rep. for District 122. Here is the sample ballot before going to vote so you know where your candidates are:

http://www.bexar.org/elections/PDF/20101102SampleBallot.pdf

Block Walking with Friends

2010-10-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

William Peche and Dr. Masarrat Ali

My friend William Peche and I went block walking together to meet our constituents. William is running for Justice of the Peace, precinct 3. I'm taking lessons from him as we go door to door since he is so natural with everyone. Block walking is not easy, but it's a great way to introduce yourself to your voters. It's a lot easier when you walk with a friend and fellow Democrat.

Don't be mistaken. This year is just as important for Democrats to go out and vote as any other year. If you are a Democrat, or just believe in good leadership, try to donate some time to your favorite candidate of choice. I'm obliged to ask you to donate some time to my campaign as well. Click here to volunteer. If you can't, at least get your friends and neighbors and get out to vote. Early voting starts next week.

I Support Solar Energy

2010-10-13T09:05:00.000-07:00

As a supporter of green energy, I've taken the initiative to build solar paneling at my laboratory Alpha Diagnostics. Solar energy is the way of the future. I expect one day our very city will be powered by the sun. If you are a supporter of clean energy solutions, your elected officials can help promote better ways to preserve the environment. I promise to support green energy initiatives for the state of Texas when elected as the representative for district 122.

Dr. Ali is in the House

2010-10-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

John Courage and Dr. Ali

My friends and supporters have been kind enough to have parties in their homes for me to meet their neighbors and friends. John and Zada Courage and also Shela Aman have been friends of mine for a long time and believe in my cause. The Courages have a wonderful group of neighbors who came to their home just outside of Hill Country Village. My friend Mrs. Aman and her husband are neighbors of mine in Roger's Ranch. No matter what side of the district I visit, I'm welcomed by such warm folks.

As many of you know, this is my first time running for office. But if there is one thing I've enjoyed the most is meeting with so many different people and making so many friends along the way. They make me want to run as their representative because I can see they need someone who is genuinely concerned about them. My agenda and policies are designed for and by them. I know they are tired of being mis-represented in Austin and are looking forward to a transition.

I hope to earn each person's trust, one handshake at a time. To the Courages and the Amans, thank you for your loyal support. I will not forget you.

John Courage speaks on Dr. Ali's behalf in his living room.

A neighbor in Roger's Ranch speaks with Dr. Ali in the Aman in kitchen.

The Aman residence was filled with neighbors from Roger's Ranch to hear Dr. Ali.

National Lights Out Night

2010-10-06T09:03:00.000-07:00

I was invited by some new friends in Encino Park to attend National Lights Out Night. This national event is a good opportunity for us to meet our neighbors. I love being an American, but sometimes we get so caught up with our busy lives that we forget who lives next door to us. I enjoyed meeting with these fine folks. These are the people that make our city great--family men and women, raising their children and working for an honest living.

As I walked around speaking with people, I was amazed how many of the issues I stand for are really important to them. They want overpasses at 281 and 1604, and they don't want to be overtaxed. As their representative, I want to put the time and effort to make sure their concerns are properly voiced at the state capitol.

Encino Park

Dr. Ali explaining his views.

William Peche, candidate for JP Court-Prct. 3, joined us for the evening.

Filming at KSAT 12 for Campaign Promo

2010-10-05T15:53:00.000-07:00

KSAT 12 News does a public service by having each of the candidates running in this year's campaign season to record a minute-long message about their candidacy. This type of informative approach to politics is necessary to let everyday voters know who his or her candidates are for Election Day. The crew was very polite and organized. I've never done this before, but they were very helpful in getting my message across. I hope you all will see it on KSAT 12 later this month.

Movie "Truth Be Tolled" Tells How Your Highways are up for Sale

2010-10-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

Last night, my campaign staff and I attended the premiere of the documentary "Truth be Tolled" at the Palladium Theater with a number of other notable members of the Texas community, including Kathie Glass, Tommy Adkisson, David Leibowitz, and Hank Gilbert. And of course, some of the most ardent supporters against toll roads.

This amazing movie of how local activists--namely Terri Hall, head of the SA Toll Party--went head on with state legislators to try to keep our roads free. This movie will open your eyes as to how the state is trying to make a fortune off of you and your roads. It's sad how many of us don't have a say in the decisions regarding our own roads. Many of the individuals who make those decisions are not elected officials and their decisions are not put to a vote by the people.

This practice must stop. I've made it clear that I support anti-tolling methods to improve our roads. The options are there, but legislative red tape keeps those free-road options out of the plans. The only reason they want toll roads is to make you pay, even though you paid for these roads and highways with your taxes a long time ago.

Your state representative has a lot to do with your roads. I don't want toll roads when I know the money to build free highways, overpasses, and roads are available. You need to elect a representative who will fight for your right to drive.

Movie theater filled with anti-toll road supporters.

Hank Gilbert, our next state Agriculture Commissioner

State Rep. David Leibowitz and his wife.

Kevin Wall of KTSA 550 AM, he is a supporter of the Toll Party

Toll Road Fight Brings Concerned Citizens

2010-09-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

Dr. Ali answers questions from the audience.

Last night in Hollywood Park, my campaign hosted a town hall meeting for my neighbors in district 122 who are concerned that toll roads will ruin our community. Each person came with a clear idea that toll roads were not the best solution. Mr. Phelps gave an excellent introduction on behalf of the SA Toll Party. I spoke on how toll roads will lower property values and will cost everyday folks money just to get to work.

To me, the taxes we paid when we fuel our vehicles are being diverted away from what it's supposed to be used for. The gas tax is supposed to pay for our roads and highways, but it is being used for just about everything else. If we use these funds the way they are supposed to be used, we will have enough to not only build the much needed overpasses at 281 and Loop 1604 but for other roads throughout the state.

Toll roads are the easy way out for our legislators to find a new source of income to build these overpasses instead of admitting that our taxes have been misappropriated. I've learned this information from the SA Toll Party and TURF who I am grateful for. As you may know, Toll Roads are such an important issue to me, I invested in billboards for my Web site FightTollRoadsSA.com. If you want to know the truth about toll roads, please click the link below.

The Fight Against Toll Roads Comes to Town Hall

2010-09-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I'm hosting a public town hall meeting to discuss and examine the proposed toll roads that may be brought to Bexar County. Anyone who wants to hear non-tolling options to fix the congestion in San Antonio is invited to participate. The meeting will be held at 6:30 PM at the Voight Center, 701 El Portal St., San Antonio, TX in Hollywood Park.

The fight against toll roads is one of my biggest priorities in this campaign. Since I lives in district 122, I take many of the same roads to get to work and for daily travel. The idea that the free highways of Bexar County may become toll roads is enough for me to stand up and fight against the state. As a concerned citizen, I have educated himself about toll roads and have even invested in an anti-tolling Web site to better inform my neighbors, www.FightTollRoadsSA.com.

Of both candidates running for the Texas House seat for district 122, I am the only candidate that has never accepted money from construction firms bidding to build the toll roads. I am best suited for the role of representative since I have lived in the district for as long as I have lived in San Antonio. As a successful businessman and a community leader I am willing to take my experience and smart solutions to the Texas House of Representatives.

For more information on this Town Hall meeting, contact my Media Director Kareem el-Dahab at (210) 413-9878 or by email at kareem@alifortexas.com.

CEOs Gather for Discussion on International Business

2010-08-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

As a CEO of two biotech companies, I was invited to participate in a round table discussion hosted by Texas CEO magazine, based in Austin. I was surrounded by some of the brightest CEOs in Texas. Our topic of discussion was how our companies interact in international business. My firm ADI has been doing business internationally almost from the beginning.

One major point that was brought into discussion was, why wasn't Texas self-promoting itself more as a major region for global business activity? Having been a businessman in Texas for almost 20 years, I know this is the best state in the entire country to run a business and manage it for long-term profits. When elected to the Texas House, I will work with Texas business owners and the state itself in promoting ourselves as the ideal place to do business. We have almost every major business sector here, from the medical to fuel production.

Our business services and products can be utilized not only within the United States, but I believe Texas is overdue to carry its brand name into other countries. When elected, I want the phrase "Made in Texas" to mean something just as powerful as "Made in America." We are the best state for business, and we are the driving force of the U.S. economy. We can bring so much more attention internationally. Someone needs to voice this fact on the legislative level, and who better to do that than a business owner such as myself.

Barbara on the River

2010-08-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Barbara Scharf-Zeldes held a unique and fun fundraiser on the riverwalk. We were treated to a delightful fashion show of the many important women who've involved themselves in American history. The costumes were amazing and the amount of support Barbara had was impressive.

I believe Barbara will be a great choice for probate court 2. We need a winning personality who has the experience and the enthusiasm to take on this role.

A Woman's Story and a Great Luncheon

2010-07-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, my friend Dinorah Diaz, who is running to be the next 187th District Judge, held a wonderful luncheon at a fine restaurant. Her guest speaker Sarwat Husain, who is also a close friend of mine, told of her move to America and her life as Muslim woman in a post-9/11 world. Mrs. Husain's inspiring story of her journey from her native country to America reminded me of my own move to this country. America's own story is filled with the changes and sacrifices people make to come and be American. I chose to move here, raised my children here, and I will spend the rest of my life in America.

A pleasant surprise for all of us was when Linda Chavez-Thompson came to give some opening remarks for Dinorah Diaz. Mrs. Chavez-Thompson is on her way to be the next Lieutenant Governor of Texas. With all these great women involving themselves in leadership roles, our state has a bright future ahead.

Photos Courtesy of the Walker Report

Happy American Independence Day

2010-07-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

I send my greetings to you and your family for this holiday weekend and hope you celebrate safely. American Independence Day is when we can come together as a country and celebrate everything that makes us great. Let us pay homage to our founding fathers who bravely carved out the constitution to liberate Americans from tyranny. After 234 years, that constitution still preserves our rights as U.S. citizens, and gives you a voice in your government.

After embracing U.S. citizenship for most of my adult life, I see that its leaders must work to preserve democracy. This is why I choose to run for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives. I often think how lucky my three children are for being born as U.S. citizens. The opportunities ahead of them are much greater here than anywhere else. With your vote, I will work hard to keep the American dream alive here in Texas for all our children.

Please celebrate safely this 4th of July. As a reminder, fireworks are not approved to be fired from within city limits. But there is an excellent choice of certified fireworks displays for your family listed below.

4th of July Fireworks shows
FREE to the Public:

Randolph Air Force Base
Fireworks begin at 9:35 PM

Gates open at 5 PM
Food, music and games
Bring blankets or chairs

For questions, call (210) 652-4410
Visit the RAF Website HERE.

Woodlawn Lake Park
Fireworks begin at 9:00 PM

Opening ceremony on main stage at Noon
Live music all day
Food vendors and games
Bring blankets or chairs

For questions, call (210) 212-8423
Visit the SA Parks Foundation Website HERE.

Texas Democratic Convention -- Day 1

2010-06-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

At the Texas Democratic Convention, it was a smart time for me to spread the word of my campaign. Fellow Democrats need to understand the urgency of getting a Democrat elected in District 122 for the Texas House of Representatives. We set up a booth to pass out yard signs and earn support. I thank my family and staff for managing the booth while I was away speaking at caucuses.

A fellow Democrat from San Antonio, Rebeca Martinez, who is running for a judicial seat in the 4th Court of Appeals, had a great mixer in downtown Corpus Christi. She is running against a Perry-appointed candidate and her appellate court will reach 32 counties in South Texas.

The biggest event of the first the day of the convention for me was the Texas Stonewall Democrats event at a local art gallery. I met some popular Democrats like Rep. Mike Villareal, Chair Boyd L. Richie, and Barbara Ann Radnofsky. I already have earned the endorsement of the San Antonio Stonewall Democrats. Being from my own diverse background, I know how hard it is to find acceptance. I let them know that Democrats are united for 2010.

Remembering Dolph Briscoe

2010-06-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

The state of Texas is in mourning for the loss of one of its best leaders. Governor Dolph Briscoe died this past weekend at the age of 87 in his home. I send my condolences to Governor Briscoe's family.

As a fellow Democrat, I admire his ability to lead and his responsible decisions during a time when Texas was rocked by corrupt politics. Governor Briscoe restored integrity in the state government during the 1970's when Austin was knee-deep in a fraud scandal. His actions preserved the state for the last quarter of the 20th century.

I have a deep respect for Governor Briscoe for all his contributions to the city of San Antonio after he was governor. His support of research in the health fields gave me the opportunity to study and work at the UT-Health Science Center in San Antonio. All Texas elected officials should move forward and learn from the examples set by this great man.

Photos courtesy of Associated Press.

The Bill White Phenomenon

2010-06-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

Bill White gave an amazing appearance at the Texas Democratic Convention in Corpus Christi over the weekend. The delegates came from all over the state to pledge their support to the next governor of Texas. The enthusiasm for Bill White exploded when he walked on stage and the crowd waved their signs and chanted his name.

There are few individuals who have a proven track record for leadership like Bill White. I expect him to make all the positive changes for Texas as he did when he was mayor of the city of Houston. Let's bring them to the polls in November to elect Bill White as our governor.

See You at the Convention

2010-06-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

As of Thursday, my staff and I will be making our way to Corpus Christi for the Texas Democratic State Convention to be held at the American Bank Center. This 3-day gathering will bring the Democratic Delegates to kick off the election season so we can turn Texas blue. I plan to attend and speak with some of the most notable caucuses in the state such as the Texas Democratic Women, the Texas Young Democrats, the Texas Jewish Democrats, and many others. Many candidates will be there, all running for offices ranging from state representative to the governor's seat. Corpus Christi is the perfect spot for such an event. Let's all have some fun in the sun as we work to take over this election year. If you see me at the convention, please introduce yourself because I would love to meet you.

Northeast Bexar County Democrats

2010-06-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

The Northeast Bexar County Democrats opened their new office this weekend at 7122 San Pedro, here in San Antonio. They invited all their friends and candidates to a wonderful reception with barbecued hot dogs and live music. It was good to see my friends Dinorah Diaz, Roberto Rios and William Peche, all of whom are running for their respective judge positions. I thank the Northeast Bexar Democrats for inviting me, and congratulate them on their fine office. An organization needs an established spot to make decisions and to build the Democratic base.

Cystic Fibrosis Event

2010-06-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

Cystic Fibrosis is one of many serious diseases we're doing advanced research on at my company. I attended a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the Plaza Club at the Frost Building. I thank Jason Smith for sponsoring, and Brandy Bendele and Hugh Farr of the foundation for arranging this event. And the beautiful Rita Verreos, former Ms. Venezuala, gave a heartfelt speech about this great cause.

Most cases of Cystic Fibrosis are diagnosed when the patient is still a child. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of foundations like this, many of these young people go on to live well past their teens. I urge public awareness to help fight this disease.

Lunch with the Precinct Chairs of 122

2010-06-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

I recently held a luncheon for all the precinct chairs in Texas House District 122 to discuss how we plan to take the Representative seat in our district. We ate a delicious Indian lunch at Madras Pavilion and discussed my agenda platform and strategies for campaigning. I feel reassured that these women and men were so enthusiastic to come and show support for my race. My good friend Art Hall, former City Councilman, came also to say a few words to the group on my behalf. With so many good friends helping for the Democratic cause, I know I stand an able chance to take the election this November.

Texas Folklife Festival

2010-06-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I attended the Texas Folklife Festival at the Institute of Texan Cultures. Some of my supporters came with me to share in this favorite San Antonio summer event. Just by walking around and seeing all the booths representing different nationalities, I can see all the great nations that came together here in Texas to make us the diverse state that we are. I know I don't just speak for myself when I say there is no other state better to settle in than Texas. It's the story of America retold over and over.

Event Honoring Nico Lahood

2010-06-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

This week, I was invited to a wonderful event at Bohanan's restaurant held in honor of Nicholas "Nico" Lahood who is running for district attorney of San Antonio. A good number of my friends also went to show their support like Texas Senator Carlos Uresti. It's nice for all of us to take a break from campaigning to have a good time. We thank Nico for inviting us and wish him well in his campaign.