DEARBORN — On Monday evening, local community leaders hosted a campaign fundraising dinner at Byblos Banquet Hall for Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano. Ficano, who is seeking re-election this year, may face a greater challenge this time around, as the race comes on the heels of a term that has been surrounded with controversy and significant media attention.

Despite this fact, local leaders continued to express their support and share their sentiments on the importance of the community standing by Ficano’s side during his fundraiser. Ficano has maintained close ties with local Arab Americans for decades now, dating back to the 1980s, when he served as the Wayne County Sheriff for nearly a 20-year stretch. As Sheriff, many say he was never hesitant to hire Arab American’s, nor was he hesitant to come to their defense when the community was under a microscope, post-9/11. 

Hundreds of elected officials, dignitaries and community leaders turned out to show their support for Ficano. Among them including 19th District Court Judge Sam Salamey, CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid, State Representative Rashida Tlaib, Wayne County Deputy Sheriff Mike Jaafar, and Dearborn City Council Candidates Tarek Baydoun, Susan Dabaja and Mike Sareini.

Top: Community supporters of Bob Ficano gathered at a fundraiser held at Byblos Banquet Hall in Dearborn last Monday, June 3. PHOTO: Nafeh AbuNab

Even with overwhelming support from local leaders, some expressed dismay with the turnout, indicating that more community members should have made a stronger effort to show their support. Some blamed the timing, saying that Monday evenings are usually a hard sell for local events of this nature, while others blamed biased media coverage, which may have dissuaded people from supporting Ficano. 

Despite the allegations that have surfaced around his administration since 2011, Ficano has yet to be found guilty of any wrongdoing. 

“Bob Ficano has been a friend to our community for at least the 30 years that I have known him,” Don Yunis, a veteran community leader, stated to the crowd, during his remarks on stage.  “Channel 7 and the Detroit newspapers all owe Bob Ficano an apology…He has not done anything wrong, and we are going to apologize for them by getting people out to vote,” he added.

Suehaila Amen, president of the Lebanese American Heritage Club, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies at the event. Prior to taking the podium, Amen spoke to The Arab American News about why the community should remain by Ficano’s side.

“He has been an integral part of our community for the last 30 years. Not only was he the first to appoint Arab Americans to high positions, but he has worked with our community throughout the years in various capacities.  I think that is a strong testament to all of the hard work that he has done to build bridges with Arab Americans and the rest of the greater community. He has gone above and beyond to ensure that people are understood; that our community is respected, and that we have an open line of communication with the County,” Amen stated. 

During the ceremony, Amen pointed out some of the initiatives that have been led by Ficano, which have been beneficial to the community. “He consistently facilitates dialogue with mosques and churches; he implemented halal options and meals on wheels programs for senior citizens; he distributed free backpacks for elementary school students who couldn’t afford them; and he continuously includes and acknowledges the Arab American business community on his international trade missions,” she stated.

In his introduction to Ficano, Arab American News Publisher Osama Siblani stated that, despite not being able to pack the hall on a Monday evening, he was still proud to see many of Ficano’s loyal supporters in attendance. He told the crowd that it is important to educate local voters on how Ficano has extended his hand to the community.  

“There was always one person that never shied away from standing with us, and that person is Bob Ficano. We have to tell his story to the rest of the community that is not here, and the story is going to be why we need to support him. Other politicians in this nation are watching us, and their eyes are focused on how we are going to act. If we are going to desert our friend after a crisis erupts, especially after thirty years of loyalty from him, then they will have no respect for us, and they will know we are going to turn our backs against them the first time they make a mistake,” Siblani stated. 

Robert Ficano took the stage after Siblani to thank his supporters and to also point out the importance of continuing to work with a diverse and qualified administration in Wayne County.

“I know at times there may be adversity, but looking out here tonight, I see a  lot of friends that I deeply appreciate. I can tell you that there are a lot of people that might have opinions, one way or another, especially when I talk about the diversity that Wayne County represents. Your community is represented in our administration, not because you are a quota we want to fill, but because you deserve to be there, and you have earned your place there as well,” Ficano told his supporters. 

Wayne County Deputy Director of Homeland Security Samer Jaafar, who has been working closely with Ficano for years, said that he is not only a positive aspect for the Arab community, but for the entire County as a whole. 

“Bob Ficano didn’t just come to our community.  He has been a force in the whole County and in our community for over 30 years. Day in and day out, he continuously follows up on issues that affect the safety of our citizens, including preparing fire and police for proper emergency and response. He knows some of the issues in our community, and he understands our culture. He knows the importance of having a diversified county, and he has, by far, one of the most diverse employment forces out there. I think the County is moving in the right direction and, contrary to all the dust, eventually people will see that Robert Ficano is the only person who is going to move this County forward,” Jaafar told The Arab American News after the event. 

Ficano says that he will continue to reach out to Wayne County communities, leading up to the November elections. Although not yet officially announced, he may face off against Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, who last month announced that he would not seek re-election for Mayor, but was considering a run for Wayne County Executive.