2026 Election: Questionnaire for MV City Council Candidates
Samuel Ali's Response
1. Knowledge and priorities: What do you see as the biggest barriers to making walking and bicycling safe, comfortable, and convenient throughout Mountain View? What specific changes would you prioritize to address them?
I believe the biggest barriers are unsafe crossings, speeding vehicles, and gaps in safe bike routes. I would prioritize safer crosswalks, protected bike lanes where appropriate, better lighting, and safer connections between neighborhoods, schools, parks, downtown, and transit.
If elected, I would also propose a free community bike program throughout Mountain View that would allow residents to check out and unlock bikes using their Mountain View Public Library card. This could provide residents, especially low-income families and people who do not own a bike, with another affordable way to get around the city.
2. Judgement: Mountain View has made a number of changes to its streets in recent years, including
the California Street Complete Streets Pilot. Which changes do you consider successful, and which have fallen short? What lessons should the City take from these projects, and what measures should it use to evaluate the success of future street improvements?
I support improvements that make pedestrians and bicyclists safer, including better crosswalks, protected bikelanes, and safer intersections. We should also consider traffic, parking, businesses, and nearby neighborhoods. I believe the City should use safety and traffic data along with community feedback to determine what is working and what needs improvement.
3. Vision and city role: What is your vision for the future of downtown Mountain View? What would you like Castro Street and the surrounding downtown to be like in 5 to 10 years, and what changes should the City make in economic development, public space, transportation, land use, or other areas to achieve that vision?
I want downtown Mountain View to be safe, vibrant, welcoming, and full of successful local businesses. I want Castro Street to be a place where families can walk, eat, shop, attend events, and spend time together. We should fill empty storefronts, support local businesses, improve public spaces, and make downtown easy to reach by walking, biking, public transit, and driving. I also believe convenient parking should remain part of keeping downtown accessible.
4. Leadership and handling opposition: Improving bike and pedestrian infrastructure can require reallocating space or changing how streets are used, which can generate opposition from some residents, businesses, or drivers. As a Councilmember, how would you approach that opposition while advocating for the changes you believe are necessary?
I would listen to everyone affected before making a decision. Residents, bicyclists, pedestrians, businesses, and drivers all deserve to have their concerns heard. I support making our streets safer while also considering impacts on traffic, parking, businesses, and neighborhoods. I would use data, community input, and common sense to find practical solutions that work for Mountain View.