Leopoldo Ali Shahriari

Leopoldo Ali Shahriari (born May 7, 1985) better known as Ali Shahriari, is an American economist and former political candidate in Virginia. He is noted for his advocacy of political reforms based in part on principles from the Third Universal Theory.
Biography
Early life and education
Shahriari was born in Leesburg, Virginia and raised in nearby Sterling, Virginia. He attended Strayer University, where he received a B.Sc. in Economics in 2010. He is currently pursuing graduate studies in environmental management at the University of Maryland University College .
Influence in Latin America
Shahriari has traveled on various occaisions to Latin America where he has met with several international leaders.
In 2007, Shahriari met and held economic and infastructure related talks with former President Oscar Berger Perdomo of Guatemala. In 2010, he held talks with Salvadoran president Mauricio Funes as well as former president Alvaro Colom of Guatemala.
Electoral Campaigns
2011 Campaign for Supervisor
Shahriari ran as an independent for Sterling District on the Loudoun County, Virginia Board of Supervisors in 2011. He faced controversial incumbent Rebublican Eugene Delgaudio and Democratic challenger Al Nevarez. Shahriari was the only candidate in the race to not accept campaign contributions and pledged to only use $1,000 of his own money for the campaign. While campaigning for the election, Shahriari encountered anti-muslim sentiment as he met with local residents of the community.
Positions
While campaigning for office, Shahriari sought to implement stricter taxes on alcohol and tobacco, the construction of larger public schools, and a "reinvention of the public transit system in Loudoun County". Shahriari also proposed a "cooperative health care program and more funding for social services in the county. Regarding the role of his personal faith in his political campaign, Shahriari is quoted as saying, “My Islamic and Muslim upbringing is what influences me”. . Regarding the proposal, Shahriari is quoted as saying,"I am just trying to bring the political power back to the people,". Shahriari also stated that, "The direct participation of everyone will make partisan politics disappear and allow true progress for the county.
Shahriari indicated during his campaign that People's Conferences should also include "Professional People's Conferences", in which individuals from different sectors, such as public safety, education, and religious institutions for example, could meet to discuss ideas and issues in their areas of expertise. The proposal for People's Conferences is derived from the political framework of the Jamahiriya system which is laid out in the Third Universal Theory.

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