DEARBORN HEIGHTS — Council President Mo Baydoun has kicked off his mayoral campaign in a large turnout event held at Crestwood High School. Joined by residents, elected officials, dignitaries and community members, Baydoun shared his commitment to the city, vowing to serve and unite the residents.

Several people spoke at the event, including Crestwood School Board trustee Danielle Elzayat, who emceed the event, Fire Chief Phil Hall; former Councilman Ray Muscat; attorney Azzam Elder; community member Rose Tripepi; Baydoun’s sister, Valentine Jaafar; Hassan Bazzi; Treasurer Lisa Hicks Clayton and police officer Brian Snear.

“Mo B is not just running for the mayor’s seat, he’s actually answering a call, he’s answering your call and my call,” Elder said. “To unify and lead in these times, a leader must have certain qualities; and I’m not telling you anything that you don’t know, but the truth is Mo B has the leadership to lift this city. Mo B leads with a rare combination that’s kind of hard to find in politicians because he understands vision, courage and most of all humility. And he sees what this city can become.”

Photos: Abbas Shehab

Baydoun has served on the Dearborn Heights City Council since being appointed in January 2021. In November 2021, he was elected, securing his two-year term. When he ran again in November 2023, he was the top vote-getter.

Now, he vows to take the city to even greater heights if elected mayor.

“I feel very comfortable having Mo put my name next to his, it’s an honor,” Muscat said at the podium. “I’m formally endorsing Mo Baydoun for mayor.

“We need to turn the corner and find new direction,” he added.

“I’ve been in this city for 53 years, seen plenty of people come and go, now I want to find someone that’s here to stay, someone with integrity, someone young, energetic and honest, that’s working for you and not for himself,” Tripepi said. “So please do me a favor, and if you can’t do it for me, do it for your kids and your grandkids… you want Mo. Go with Mo, he’s the man for us; if you don’t like it, move.”

“I’m going to be the one individual, that when you call me, I’m going to answer,” Baydoun said, addressing the crowd of supporters. “And when you have an issue, I’m going to come to your backyard, I’m going to take your phone call and we’re going to discuss it.

“When a resident or an individual, whether you’re in this community or not and you ask for my service, how lucky am I that you came to me and said ‘Mo, I need help,’ Really, it is truly a passion.”

While the role of mayor comes with heavy responsibility, Baydoun said he is moved by a deep and genuine passion for public service. He said that his drive to make his community a better one is a driving force, as his passion is unwavering.

“We need the entire community, as a village, to come together, show love, show gratitude, put aside the differences, put aside the past, and say we want to make Dearborn Heights the community for passion and to unite,” Baydoun said.