Brian Stone.

DEARBORN — Dearbornites can be particularly picky about their state representative – and for good reason. This past year, the city’s Arab and Muslim Americans have endured racist and Islamophobia attacks by presidential candidates, far right-wing groups and by both the federal and state government.

For many, Brian Stone, a Navy veteran and activist, comes to mind as someone who has stood up for the community. Stone, a lifelong Dearborn resident, is a Democrat and state representative candidate. He said he has advocated for Arab and Muslim Americans’ equal rights before he ever considered running for public office.

“I’m the only candidate in this race who has stood up and called out Islamophobia in Dearborn,” Stone said. “I’m the only candidate in the race who has a track record before I ever started running for office of speaking out on the issues that are important to Arab Americans.”

Stone, communications chair of the Dearborn Democratic Club, said the Arab and Muslim American communities have already opened their homes and mosques to him as he regularly participates in interfaith and political discussions, prayers and rallies demonstrating alliance with one of the most vulnerable communities.

On Wednesday, Stone moderated a panel on Islam and its perception after a controversial Islamophobic comment was made at a West Bloomfield Board of Trustees meeting.

The candidate said his relationship with community members begins with unifying organizations of different sub sects, like Yemeni, Iraqi and Palestinian groups – each with specific needs, but aims toward a common goal. Stone said this kind of coalition has never been done before in Dearborn.

He added that his campaign is the only one with Arab American groups endorsing it. More than 250 volunteers, including at least 25 Muslim and Arab Americans, work for Stone’s campaign.

Residents’ concerns

Stone has largely ignored opponents, choosing to focus more on addressing residents’ concerns. Some issues he said he has heard include education funding, underground infrastructure and the state of the city’s roads.

Stone said many Dearbornites know the state is cutting funds to public schools or giving money back too slowly. He said his plan includes ensuring sufficient funds for schools by either pushing for raising the sales tax by 1 percent or repealing corporate tax breaks. He also plans to help students cover tuition for two extra years after 12th grade, so that more students can graduate from Dearborn schools.

Sparking business growth is another priority on Stone’s list of things to improve in Dearborn. He said the average resident is making $7,000 less than they did five years ago, which has greatly impacted how much they spend in local businesses.

He criticized Republican policies that cut taxes to save businesses money in the short-term and advocated for investing in education so residents with degrees can sponsor local economic growth in the long run.

He cited a study on government investments, which found that every dollar spent in education had a return of $14 in tax revenue over time, making an investment on people more valuable than corporate entities.

Arab Americans’ fragile trust in government

Arab American and Muslims’ relationship with government has always been fragile.

The FBI has confessed to flying a spy plane above Dearborn last August, but said it was related to a criminal investigation, not surveillance of Arabs and Muslims.

However, Stone said Arabs and Muslims in the area do have something to fear.

“They are being spied on,” he said.

“How do you explain that so many of the people that are being impacted by this are Arab American, when Arab Americans make up such a small portion of the United States?” He asked. “It’s racism, it’s discriminatory and it’s Islamophobia.”

Stone said that as a state representative, he would establish a strong relationship with state and federal law enforcement to ensure their priorities are aligned with the real threats.

From military to politics

Before his involvement in politics, Stone served in the Navy as a mass communications specialist.

Upon returning home, the veteran noticed he was to be charged as an “out-of-state” student when he applied to the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Stone’s political activism began as he organized veteran enrolled at UM-D and Michigan lawmakers to tackle the unfair listing.

Within six months, Stone’s efforts effectively introduced a constitutional amendment that forced every Michigan university to charge in-state tuition for military veterans.

Stone received the Navy Achievement medal, the Humanitarian Service medal and the National Defense Service medal for his efforts.

Stone also wrote for The Huffington Post on Arab and Muslim American issues, speaking out against discriminatory policies like the hookah smoking ban in Dearborn parks.