Interview with Rehan Waheed

Rehan Waheed is currently running for the City Council position in Ward 4. This is his interview with local journalist Malachi Levy.

What inspired you to run for Ward 4?

I've lived in Old Brooklyn since 2008, and it has become home. What inspired me to run is seeing our city's progress often bypass the everyday families in our neighborhoods. While downtown sees big projects, I've seen resources diverted from what truly matters to Old Brooklyn: our neighborhood, our local businesses, our education, and our safety. My time as a doctor and even in corporate healthcare showed me the consequences of prioritizing profits over people. I decided to run for City Council because Old Brooklyn deserves a People First approach, a strong advocate who will ensure our community's needs are heard and acted upon, not just corporate and billionaire interests.

How is community an important aspect to your life?

As an immigrant who grew up in Columbus and made Old Brooklyn my home in 2008, I wouldn't be where I am without the incredible support system I've been lucky to have – from my family, friends, neighbors who welcomed me, to mentors and colleagues. That spirit of looking out for one another, of collective support, is essential to my community, and it's the foundation of how I approach public service.

What are some of the most glaring issues in Cleveland, or specifically, Ward 4?

In Old Brooklyn, what I hear most is that residents feel unheard and underserved. We see politicians prioritizing billionaire's pet projects and corporate interests over our foundational needs for the city. This looks like public funds, through mechanisms like TIFs, being diverted from our libraries and community colleges to big developers. Using code enforcement to bully struggling homeowners rather than having empathy for our neighbors and providing support to help them make improvements.  It’s the cut to our vital Age Friendly Home Investment Program, leaving our seniors with fewer resources for essential repairs. It’s the dismissal of our voices, as seen in the opposition to public comment and participatory budgeting, which could give residents a stronger voice in how our tax dollars are spent. It's the lack of proactive thinking and planning around our infrastructure needs. 

We need leaders who understand that the real strength of Cleveland, and especially Old Brooklyn, lies in its people, and who are willing to fight for responsive, transparent public services that truly put our community first, and I intend to do that.

What legacy do you want to leave in Cleveland, and in the world?

My legacy, both in Cleveland and beyond, is about fostering a city where people thrive. I want to leave Old Brooklyn a stronger, more connected community where every resident feels safe, valued, and supported. This means building a city where good health is accessible to all, where housing is stable and affordable for families, where families feel safe, and where our seniors receive the care and respect they deserve. It's about bringing people together, empowering them through initiatives like participatory budgeting, and ensuring that our city's success is measured by how we lift each other up, not by the number of shiny new buildings or how many billionaire pet projects are funded. It's about a fundamental shift to a People First city.

What keeps you motivated throughout this process?

What keeps me motivated is the belief in what Cleveland, and especially Old Brooklyn, can be. I've always fought for what is just, and at times it has meant putting myself at risk to challenge the status quo and entrenched interests. As I talk to residents, I hear their struggles with rising costs or neglected services, and then see their hope as I describe a People First city, that's what fuels me. Knowing there's such strong support from our citizens and small businesses for real, tangible change in Old Brooklyn and Cleveland is incredibly powerful.

How have your life and/or other work experiences prepared you for this journey?

As a doctor, my purpose has always been to help people be their best selves and to tackle the root cause of complex health challenges. That's exactly what our city needs: someone who prioritizes the well-being of the community, listens deeply, and identifies the root causes of problems. My time as a global healthcare executive, which I ultimately left due to corporate greed, gave me an insider's view into systemic issues and reinforced my commitment to putting people before profits. Coupled with my experience as a small business owner, it means I understand both the personal impact of city policies and the practicalities of making things work. I approach City Council with the same dedication and problem-solving mindset I bring to patient care: with compassion, integrity, and a focus on lasting, positive outcomes for the people of Old Brooklyn and the city of Cleveland.

We thank Rehan Waheed for his time and thorough responses. We wish him luck in his campaign.