DEARBORN — Just weeks ahead of the General Elections which will take place on Tuesday, November 5, the Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC) has announced their slate of endorsements in the local municipality races. 

Formed in 1998, AAPAC’s membership consists of a diverse group of Arab American professionals, who work to organize and encourage the political activities of Arab Americans. They lobby on behalf of Arab American political causes that may be of concern to the community and bring forth these issues to the candidates, before deciding on appropriate endorsements.

This year, their slate of endorsements includes the Detroit, Dearborn Heights and Hamtramck mayoral races, Dearborn’s city council race and two proposals that would have to be approved by Dearborn voters. The slate was finalized after a lengthy interview process was conducted between AAPAC members and candidates who sought nominations from the organization.

In the Dearborn City Council race, AAPAC’s endorsement list was identical to that in the Primary. With seven open seats on the council, AAPAC endorsed the following candidates:  Treasurer for the 12th Congressional District Democrats of Michigan Jane Ahern, Attorney Tarek Baydoun, Attorney Susan Dabaja, Jorgensen Ford car salesman Mike Sareini, current Council President Tom Tafelski, Wayne State University Law School graduate Kristyn Taylor and former police officer Patrick Melton

In the Detroit Mayoral Race, AAPAC has endorsed Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon, over former Detroit Medical Center CEO Mike Duggan. Napoleon, who has been commended for having a diverse team by his side, continues to maintain a solid relationship with the Arab American community, often addressing their concerns.

In Dearborn Heights, AAPAC endorsed current Mayor Dan Paletko, over his opponent, Councilwoman Janet Badalow. For the mayoral race in Hamtramck however, AAPAC endorsed current councilman Abdul Algazali, over current Mayor Karen Majewski. 

Algazali had come under scrutiny recently for a possible default on property taxes in Hamtramck, but his name had been cleared by the City’s emergency manager, Cathy Square. AAPAC President Mariam Bazzi says that the organization was aware of the allegations, but still determined that he would be a well-rounded mayoral candidate, as he has not been convicted of any wrong doing.

Bazzi tells The Arab American News (TAAN) that this year’s race is particularly important for the Arab American community, not just because of the candidates running, but because of two proposals that they are hoping to be passed in Dearborn. 

She says that both the Dearborn Public Schools’ S.M.A.R.T Proposal and the Henry Ford Community College Mileage Proposal are detrimental in securing a brighter education for local children. 

“By voting to pass these proposals, I think it’s going to positively impact all residents of Dearborn,” Bazzi says. “It’s important for the community to understand that if you want your kids to be competitive in the professional world, you have to give them the proper resources and training to be able to succeed.” 

AAPAC decided to avoid an endorsement for the mayoral position in Dearborn, despite candidate Edward Binkley’s effort to seek a nomination from the group. In August, current Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly told TAAN that he did not intend to seek a nomination from AAPAC. Per the organization’s guidelines, they cannot endorse a candidate, unless they have submitted a written request for consideration.

“All candidates are invited to AAPAC and should come to seek our endorsement, particularly candidates running for office in Dearborn,” Bazzi says. “We are not always going to agree on everything with candidates, but that’s part of the democratic process.” 

This month, AAPAC will distribute newsletters to registered Arab American voters, which will include the slate of endorsed candidates. Voters are encouraged to use the newsletter as a guide and take it with them to their voting precinct on Election Day.  Additionally, AAPAC will have volunteers at the polls, who will also be handing out their slate to residents who may need assistance. 

In the meantime, AAPAC is gearing up for their 16th Annual dinner, which will take place at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center on Friday, October 25.  Bazzi says that it’s vital for local leaders to attend the event, as the organization will be relaying a unified message.

“We are the political force for this community, and it’s important for people to know who they are voting for,” Bazzi says. “We do everything with the best interest of this community in mind, and we need to make sure that Arab Americans get out and vote, because we have important races and valid initiatives at stake.”