Meet Saman Saman

Saman Saman pulled his nomination papers on Dec. 18. He is one of the potential candidates in the upcoming race to succeed Neil Derry as the 4th Ward's representative on the City Council.

Saman, who has not held public office before, said he decided to run after going to City Hall to report his concerns about homelessness near the former site of his business near Cal State San Bernardino. Saman owns BestPricedMattresses.com, which is at present an Internet-only business.

He maintained that city government is disconnected from residents.

"It's difficult to get in touch with someone and get something done," Saman said.

Concerning homelessness, Saman sees the issue as a matter for Code Enforcement officers to keep the city clean and other service providers charged with teaching skills.

Saman sees the need to improve San Bernardino's appearance as its most-pressing issue. He proposed that if the city can clean up its entry points, people will develop a greater respect for their own neighborhoods and take steps to improve the city's aesthetic appeal.

Asked about where he stands on the political spectrum, Saman didn't describe himself as conservative or liberal but as "truthful." He said he will support "whatever is good for the common good."

If elected, Saman said he doesn't have an agenda that he wants to push from the outset of his term.

"I would listen to see what's going on ... then when I get more information I can render my opinion," he said.