Mohammed Faheem

Mohammed Faheem graduated from Osmania University in 1980. His career experience includes working as CEO for Center for Strategic Solutions, Inc. and President of AMAN (American Muslims Assisting Neighbors). He has also been associated with Lake Park High School (LPHS) Manufacturing Advisory Council.[3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

With a master's degree in Communication and Journalism, a long record of serving my community, and an impressive record of accomplishments, I am well known as a community leader and motivational speaker

I have launched a series of businesses in fields as diverse as business consulting , construction and web development . I also produced and anchored the "International News Hour" and hosted a call in radio show on the weekends, before taking early retirement to focus on community and social service.

I did not stay 'retired' for too long and launched a cable TV show called as 'The Employment Hour' to connect job seekers and employers with each other and State funded Resources.

This lead to a job with Business and Career Services, an Illinois workNet service provider, from where I retired again after 10 years as the Director of Business Employer Solutions and Corporate Relations to launch a consulting company for workforce and economic development.

I have developed a number of workforce and economic development programs in the 8th district in Illinois which were recognized as "Best Practice" at the national level and recently launched a weekly on-line "Virtual American Town Hall" (www.thevath.com).This program brings provides a forum for American people to discuss national and local issues and talk about solutions in a non-partisan setting.

Further information can be found on my campaign website www.faheemforcongress.com.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Public Service; Not PoliticsCollaborative approach; Not PartisanshipCountry First

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Workforce and Economic Development with an emphasis on job creation and developing skills for the future.

Healthcare reform

Immigration

Diversity and Inclusion

Law enforcement reform

Education reform

Veterans assistance

Environment protection

Dignified retirement

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Prophet Mohammed, who has been listed as number 1 by Michael H. Hart, in his book '100 most influential people in the world'. Prophet Mohammed exemplified a complete leader who

brought order to all aspects of society from social reforms including respect for women, to economy and defence and left the world a better place than he found it. I have modeled my life after him by giving

unstintingly to others without regard to race, religion, ethnicity or sex.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Psycho Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz. This book turned my life around by teaching practical ways to understand and better myself by harnessing the power of my negative

thoughts and channeling them into course correction for positive results.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, integrity and the moral compass to stand up to challenges regardless of party philosophy.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Honesty, humbleness, accessibility to the constituents and following the rule of law and my conscience. Voting along party lines should be secondary to voting for the

national interest.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To represent their constituents by interacting with them and answering their needs, while keeping in mind national priorities.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A person who lived his life to the fullest by giving more than he received.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The assassination of John F Kennedy. I was about 7 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Marketing Manager. 3 Years

What is your favorite book? Why?

Psycho Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz. This book turned my life around by teaching practical ways to understand and better myself by harnessing the power of my negative

thoughts and channeling them into course correction for positive results.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Superman. Always finding ways to combat evil and help others.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Raindrops keep falling on my head.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Trying to understand my own strengths and weaknesses and not being judgmental

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Being a co-equal partner of the executive and judicial branches of government which allows it to act as the guardian of the peoples interest. A representative body that provides equal opportunity to people without regard to their race, ethnicity, sex, education or economic interest.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Experience in running a business and contributing to economic growth is more essential than experience in government or politics.The rules and regulations of political office

can be learned very quickly if one has the passion for public service combined with real life experience putting food on the table.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Maintaining our moral superiority as a beacon of democracy.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Workforce Development

Economic Development

Veterans Assistance

Education reform

Healthcare

Immigration

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

No. The term should be extended to 4 years. Most representatives are too busy focusing on reelection to effect any real policy change. This has lead to people adopting politics

as a profession, rather than public service

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Representative Adam Kinzinger has recently caught my attention for having the courage to stand up for his convictions.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Rogers story. I can give a video link to it. Roger came to me while I was volunteering to assist job seekers at the Schaumburg Library. He was an ex-felon and was his ropes end

as he was unable to find a job or even volunteer positions. I worked with him for a couple of weeks to build up his self esteem and confidence and connected him with job

interviews leading to a very productive job.

Roger has since progressed at 2 different jobs, bought a second house and launched his own business becoming a role model for others.

Tell us your favorite joke.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

I would like to ensure that I understand what is the goal for raising that revenue and how the use of that revenue would be monitored for proper return on the investment.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Mohammed Faheem is a well known community leader and motivational speaker with a very impressive story. He has a master's degree in Communication and Journalism, a long record of serving his community, and an impressive set of accomplishments.

Faheem launched a series of businesses in fields as diverse as business consulting , construction and web development . He also produced and anchored the "International News Hour" and hosted a call in radio show on the weekends, before taking early retirement to focus on community and social service.

He dis not stay 'retired' for too long and launched a cable TV show called as 'The Employment Hour' to connect job seekers and employers with each other and State funded Resources.

This lead to a job with Business and Career Services, an Illinois workNet service provider, from where he retired again after 10 years as the Director of Business Employer Solutions and Corporate Relations.

Faheem has developed a number of workforce and economic development programs in the 8th district in Illinois which were recognized as "Best Practice" at the national level.

Faheem's contributions to society have been recognized by President Clinton, George Bush, Members of Congress and a host of community organizations.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Job CreationEconomic Development without negatively impacting the EnvironmentVeterans Assistance

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Job creation, Manufacturing and the economy, Healthcare reform, Education reform, Criminal justice reform, Dignified retirement, Diversity and inclusion

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Prophet Mohammed, who has been listed as number 1 by Michael H. Hart, in his book '100 most influential people in the world'. Prophet Mohammed exemplified a complete leader who brought order to all aspects of society from social reforms including respect for women to economy and defence and left the world a better place than he found it. I have modeled my life after him by giving unstintingly to others without regard to race, religion, ethnicity or sex.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Psycho Cynernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, humbleness, accessibility to the constituents and following the rule of law and their conscience. Voting along party lines should be secondary to voting for the national interest.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Compassion and empathy for others.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To understand the extent and limit of their powers as granted by the constitution.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A person who lived his life to the fullest by giving more than he received.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The assassination of President Kennedy. I was 6-7 years at that time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Marketing Manager. 3 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Psycho Cybernetics by Dr. Maxwell Maltz. This book turned my life around by teaching practical ways to understand and better myself by harnessing the power of my negative thoughts and channeling them into course correction for positive results.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Superman. Always finding ways to combat evil and help others.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Raindrops keep falling on my head.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Trying to understand my own strengths and weaknesses.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Being a co-equal partner of the executive and judicial branches of government which allows it to act as the guardian of the peoples interest.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Experience in running a business and contributing to economic growth is more essential than experience in government or politics.The rules and regulations of political office can be learned very quickly if one has the passion for public service combined with real life experience putting food on the table.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Climate change and environmental impact are the biggest challenge we will face as that impacts everything from food production to economic growth. We have to find ways to curtail energy usage and develop new sources of energy, find better ways of storing and distributing essential goods etc.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Workforce Development

Veterans Assistance

Education reform

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

N/A

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

No. The term should be extended to 4 years. Most representatives are too busy focusing on reelection to effect any real policy change. This has lead to people adopting politics as a profession, rather than public service

What are your thoughts on term limits?

A maximum of 2 terms for every elected office in the nation. New blood will bring in new ideas and keep cronyism and quid pro quo's out of public service.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I am not a career politician so,I am not interested in a leadership position. I have a lot to learn still.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

None. They all have good and bad points as they are all human.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Rogers story. I can give a video link to it. Roger came to me while I was volunteering to assist job seekers at the Schaumburg Library. He was an ex-felon and was his ropes end as he was unable to find a job or even volunteer positions. I worked with him for a couple of weeks to build up his self esteem and confidence and connected him with job interviews leading to a very productive job.

Roger has since progressed at 2 different jobs, bought a second house and launched his own business becoming a role model for others.

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