HAMTRAMCK — Mohamed Alsomiri, a Yemeni American, is one of nine candidates competing in the race for Hamtramck City Council. He is also one of two Yemeni American candidates. The other is Saad Almasmari. The primary election will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Only six candidates will compete in the general election this November for three seats. 

Other candidates include councilmembers Anam Miah, Abu Musa and Robert Zwolak, who are seeking reelection; former city councilwoman Cathie Gordon, Susan Dunn, Frank Woodman and Monzurul Karim. 

Alsomiri is a Hamtramck-based businessman. He told The Arab American News he owns a vacant building in the city that he plans on transforming into a wedding hall. 

“I think the wedding hall will really be an asset to the city,” Alsomiri said. “I want to make Hamtramck a better place to live and work. I am a businessman and I live in the city.”

Alsomiri has seven children and emigrated to the United States from Yemen 15 years ago. He has lived in Hamtramck since then. 

“I want to make the city a better place for everyone,” he said.