Abbie Bazzi.

DEARBORN — Dignitaries and community members packed Byblos Banquet Hall for Attorney Abbie Bazzi’s kick off campaign for 19th District Court Judge in Dearborn on Tuesday, January 26. 

Bazzi has been a managing attorney at the UAW Ford Legal Services Plan for 17 years out of the nearly 20 years she worked there. Her time as a managing attorney was split between the cities of Wayne and Livonia.

Bazzi with her husband Charlie and her children James, Alex and Billy.

She has also worked for the UAW Ford Legal Services Plan in Dearborn. In addition to her experience in civil litigation, she practiced as a criminal attorney prior to joining the UAW Ford Legal Services Plan.

The Arab American News Publisher Osama Siblani was the emcee of the event. Siblani described Bazzi as a family member of the Dearborn community, highlighting her career and contributions.

Osama Siblani.

“Abbie is a product of this family,” Siblani said. “In fact, she is the finest product of this community. She is a true leader…a soft spoken woman, but tough like nails. Her potential and leadership go deeper than that. She is a great mother and has raised a very successful family of lawyers and doctors. She is also a loving wife. She did this as she pursued higher education for herself and built a very impressive career.”

Also speaking at the event was Chief Medical Officer and President of Beaumont Physician Partners David Wood Jr.  

Chief Medical Officer of Beaumont Physician Partners  David Wood Jr.

Wood described his close ties to Bazzi, stating that collaborating with her over the years taught him about the importance of family.  

“Because I’ve been with Abbie through ups and downs, I realize she has a great deal of integrity,” Wood said. “She always is compassionate and tells you exactly the way it is. She’s got a great deal of experience in the legal field working at the UAW supporting the hard working men and women…I cannot imagine a more better or fair judge for your community.” 

State Court Administrator Milton Mack Jr.

Also speaking at the event was State Court Administrator Milton Mack Jr. Mack stated that he’s met many judges throughout his career and that Bazzi fits the description of what makes a great judge. 

“You are very fortunate to have Abbie has a candidate for Judge,” Mack said. “She’s definitely one of the best, most qualified, and more importantly, best suited person for this job. You can see her experience, integrity and fairness. Those are building blocks for a good judge. But a really great judge is one with great demeanor and great concern with others —a concern for life, which is what Abbie has.”

Bazzi took the podium at the end of the event to discussed the importance of selecting qualified judges – ones who would make a positive contribution to the judicial system. She ended her speech by thanking the community for their support. 

“With over 24 years of experience in hand, I am ready to serve the public. I have the proper qualifications and integrity to take on that responsibility. But I can’t do this alone. That’s why I’m asking for your vote. With you by my side I am confident I will succeed in the race for Dearborn Judge.”

Bazzi will be vying for the open seat left by Judge William C. Hultgren, who ends his six year term at the end the year.

The primary election is slated for Tuesday, August 2, while the general election will be held on Tuesday, November 8.