Dearborn Heights (MI) Appoints First Arab American Mayor
By: Theo Stamatis / Arab America Contributing Writer
In the last several years, the city of Dearborn Heights has been growing exponentially and 32% of the population is Arab American. Bordering the City of Dearborn, Michigan, Dearborn Heights has seen an influx of Arab Americans moving there from Dearborn and establishing strong connections to local businesses.
Residents of Dearborn Heights with roots in Lebanon are the largest ethnic group in the city, which shows in the growing number of Lebanese American small businesses opening up. Arab Americans are moving to Dearborn Heights because of lower taxes and growing amenities such as restaurants, bakeries, entertainment, and much more.
The new vibrant business opportunities have turned the burgeoning suburb into an attraction for young adults and families alike. For example, Ford Road in Dearborn Heights is home to a large number of restaurants, bakeries, hookah lounges, gas stations, and grocery stores.
While Dearborn Heights is showing a substantial surge in Arab American residents, the city council has not reflected that diversity – until now.
Last year, Daniel Paletko, the mayor of Dearborn Heights of 16 years, suddenly passed away at age 70 from COVID-19 complications. Around the same time, other positions on the city council were also vacated by the previous officials who were chosen for other city positions. Here, you have the opportunity to meet the mayor and the new members of Dearborn Heights City Council.
Bill Bazzi, Newly Appointed Mayor of Dearborn Heights
January 26, 2021, was an historic day for Dearborn Heights as the city council voted 4-3 to select Bill Bazzi, a city councilman himself since 2018, to be the next mayor.
“The residents will always come first,” mayor Bazzi stated last week. “I want to make sure that the residents are my top priority and improve employee morale at City Hall.”
Bill (Bilal) Bazzi was born in (southern) Lebanon and immigrated to the United States when he was just 10 years old. He is the first Arab and Muslim mayor in Dearborn Heights history.
After graduating from high school in nearby Dearborn, Bazzi enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served for 4 years, before going back to school to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aeronautical engineering from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. After completing his education, Bazzi went on to work at Boeing and later at Ford Motor Company in 1999.
To this day Bazzi serves as the President of Ford Veterans Network Group, which aims to bring awareness within the company about veteran’s issues and create opportunities for their community and their families. He is also the commander of the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council, which encompasses all the veteran organizations in Dearborn, Michigan, and hosts ceremonies throughout the year.
Beginning in 1999, while working with Boeing and Ford, Bazzi also enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve, eventually rising to the rank of gunnery sergeant. He worked with both military police and intelligence services during his 17-year tenure. During his reserve career was stationed around the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, and other areas, helping to improve relations between both Tunisia and Morocco. When Bazzi retired from military service, he then entered the world of politics and ran for Dearborn Heights City Council.
Bazzi reflected on his career in the military stating, “I served my country honorably,” he said. “I want to serve our city honorably… My objective is always: Represent the people and the residents.”
With the addition of a new mayor, there are also new additions to city council including Mo Baydoun and Zouher Abdel-Hak, who help to ensure the council better reflects the diversity of the people it represents. In addition, Dave Abdallah, who currently sits in city council, will replace Bazzi as the council chair pro tem.
Mo Baydoun, Newly Appointed City Councilman
Baydoun is a Dearborn Heights businessman and a Lebanese American. He was interviewed, along with three other candidates, for the council seat during a special meeting. Baydoun is the owner of two small businesses in the city of Dearborn Heights. He has 12 years of experience that includes volunteering and working on different campaigns, as well as being involved with the Amity Foundation and Wayne County Sheriff’s Police Reserves.
Zouher Abdel-Hak, Newly Appointed City Councilman
Abdel-Hak, like Baydoun, is a Lebanese American and businessman. Abdel-Hak was appointed interim treasurer when former Treasurer John Riley II resigned last year. He also currently owns a jewelry business in the city of Dearborn and regularly attended city council meetings starting in 2003. In addition to his jewelry business, Abdel-Hak also serves on the city’s zoning board and housing commission.
Dave Abdallah, Newly Appointed Council Chair Pro Tem
Abdallah, like Baydoun and Abdel-Hak, is also a Lebanese American and a real estate agent. He has been a member of the Dearborn Heights City Council since 2016 and the Michigan Eastern Affairs Commission since 2014. Abdallah has also served on state boards and has been active in several volunteer organizations. He will replace Mayor Bazzi as the Council Chair Pro-Tem.
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