By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – The seven seats open on the City Council are being sought by six incumbents and seven challengers, with some familiar names in the mix.
Running for re-election are Robert Abraham, Kamal Alsawafy, Gary Enos, Mustapha Hammoud, Ken Paris and Michael Sareini.
Among the challengers are Devon O’Reilly, a third-generation political legacy, whose father and grandfather both served as Dearborn mayor; and Sharon Dulmage, a former Dearborn Board of Education trustee. Also running are Mubarek Ahmed, Othman Ali Alaansi, Mark Andrew, Shadi Mawari, and Ahmad Othman.
Each candidate was asked to introduce themselves and share their priorities.
Robert Abraham
As a Dearborn city council member for 24 years, Robert A. Abraham has dedicated his career to serving his community through evidence-based governance and leadership. His commitment to economic development, public safety, education, and sustainable practices illustrates his dedication to improving the quality of life for all residents in Dearborn. His extensive experience in business management, coupled with his community service, aligns with his vision of a prosperous, safe, and engaged Dearborn. He has protected families, neighborhoods and city services for more than two decades.
Abraham has a rich professional history spanning more than 30 years across various executive roles, primarily in financial management and operational leadership. He has held significant leadership positions, including 15 years as chief financial officer and five years as chief executive officer. With a background as a certified public accountant, Abraham has considerable expertise in financial accounting, corporate finance, strategic planning and human resources. His extensive experience includes working with manufacturing and distribution companies, emphasizing efficiency and growth through advanced management practices.
He has a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting with a concentration in Computer Science from Hillsdale College.
Abraham has been actively involved in his local community as a member of the Dearborn City Council since 2002. Throughout his tenure, he has focused on various initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents, business development, and transparent governance.
He has prioritized public safety by fully staffing our police and fire departments to keep every neighborhood safe.
Abraham puts families and neighborhoods first in every decision, centering on what’s best for residents.
He helped make streets safer by implementing traffic calming measures to reduce reckless driving in our neighborhoods.
Reducing crime across the city of Dearborn has made it the second safest big city in Michigan, and the council is working to make it number one.
Abraham supports protecting homes by investing in infrastructure to eliminate flooding and safeguard residential property.
He supports enhancing community spaces by upgrading parks, inclusive playscapes, pools, Camp Dearborn and the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.
Abraham supports improving senior housing by modernizing facilities to ensure comfort, accessibility and dignity for our seniors.
He supports small businesses by streamlining processes to make it easier for local business owners to operate and grow in our community.
Abraham helps ensure fiscal responsibility by providing strong oversight to make sure tax dollars are spent wisely.
He collaborated with the mayor and city council to adopt a responsible, balanced annual city budget.
Mubarek Ahmed
I believe it’s time for leadership that listens, solves problems and puts people first.
My priorities are lower taxes and smart fiscal management; first rate city services and safer neighborhoods’ improved infrastructure and thoughtful investments; and open-door leadership that listens to every resident.
If these values matter to you, I’d be grateful for your vote.
Othman Ali Alaansi
I’m a lifelong Dearborn resident running for City Council because I believe our city deserves leadership focused on service, not politics. I hold a degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan–Dearborn and have professional experience in technology and quality assurance, including work with General Motors and Infinite Electronics.
What drives me is simple, I’ve seen firsthand how much potential Dearborn has when we work together. Over the past year, I’ve knocked on thousands of doors, spoken with residents in every neighborhood, and listened to the challenges people face, from rising costs to blight to safety concerns.
Voters should elect me because I bring energy, accountability, and a results driven mindset. I’m not tied to any political establishment, I’m here to represent residents, not special interests. I’ve invested my own savings into this campaign because I believe deeply in this city and in public service.
My vision is clear: to make Dearborn cleaner, safer, and more affordable, while restoring trust in local government and ensuring that every voice, from east to west, is heard.
Cleaner: I’ll work to strengthen city services and blight enforcement, modernize waste collection, and empower community clean-up initiatives that make every neighborhood shine, not just a few.
Safer: Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community. I’ll support our police and first responders while expanding youth programs and improving street lighting to prevent crime and build trust.
Affordable: Dearborn families are feeling the squeeze. I’ll fight to keep taxes low, promote smart budgeting, and pursue state and federal grants to fund infrastructure and energy efficiency projects, without raising the burden on residents.
Beyond these pillars, I’m focused on unity and transparency. Dearborn’s diversity is its greatest strength, and every policy I support will be guided by fairness and inclusion.
Ultimately, my goal is to make sure that government works for the people, efficiently, respectfully, and responsibly. Together, we can make Dearborn a model for what local government should be: responsive, transparent, and people-first.
Kamal Alsawafy
I’m honored to currently serve as a Dearborn city council member. I’m a lifelong Dearborn resident, an Army Captain in the Michigan National Guard and a proud Bronze Star recipient. Since being elected in 2021, I’ve worked to deliver results that residents can see and feel, from safer streets to cleaner neighborhoods, to more inclusive parks and playgrounds for all families.
On city council, I’ve built a reputation for being responsive, transparent, and solution-driven. I don’t just talk about problems: I follow through until they’re fixed. Whether it’s speeding on residential streets, blighted properties or park improvements, I’ve made it my mission to make city government work for every resident.
Dearborn is a city built on hard work and community pride. I’m running for re-election to continue strengthening the quality of life in every neighborhood, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely, and keeping Dearborn safe, welcoming, and forward-looking. With proven leadership, a record of results and a deep love for our city, I humbly ask for your continued support.
My top priorities are public safety, neighborhood quality and fiscal responsibility, because they impact every Dearborn family.
First, public safety is my top focus, especially when it comes to curbing reckless driving. Too many families have lost loved ones to preventable crashes. I’ve supported funding for more traffic enforcement, speed humps and illuminated stop signs across our neighborhoods, but this issue also requires community education and parental responsibility. We must do more to educate parents about the dangers of giving young drivers high-performance cars they can’t safely handle. Saving lives takes both enforcement and awareness.
Secondly, neighborhood quality is a priority. I’ve worked to strengthen property maintenance enforcement, improve parks and keep our neighborhoods clean and inviting.
Finally, fiscal responsibility is a top priority. I take pride in protecting taxpayer dollars, ensuring city services remain efficient and prioritizing infrastructure that improves quality of life for all residents.
Dearborn deserves leadership that delivers solutions, not talk, and I’m committed to keeping our city safe, strong and united.
Mark Andrew
After serving 28 years as a firefighter paramedic in Dearborn, I have recently hung up my gear. I am proud of the difference I made, and I am eager to continue serving our community.
During those 28 years, some of my proudest moments came from caring for our seniors. Whether it was treating someone after a fall, responding to a medical emergency or simply offering support when they were sick and alone, I found deep meaning in being there for them. Supporting our seniors has always been close to my heart.
That is why I am running for the Dearborn city council. My goal is to run a true grassroots campaign, free from big money and flashy commercials, focused on connecting with residents, listening to concerns and discussing real issues.
My top priorities on city council would be to ensure that our public safety remains the best in the state by keeping our departments fully funded and fully staffed. I will work to provide our firefighters, paramedics and police officers with competitive pay and benefits to attract top talent, as well as the best equipment and facilities to help them perform their jobs at the highest level.
I will also keep a close watch on our budget to ensure we spend taxpayer money wisely and fulfill all of our city’s charter-mandated requirements.
More importantly, I want to be responsive to the public. Whether returning phone calls or answering emails, I want the public to know they have been heard.
Sharon Dulmage
I am about fairness and open and respective dialogue, working hard, making decisions based on facts and not emotions, being honest, and eliminating the fluff and sugar coating.
I am not easily intimidated or influenced by outside pressure. I am not afraid to speak up, and if elected, I will support the decision of the majority.
I do not want your vote because I am the only female running. I want your vote because you know what I stand for and my past experience. In other words, what you see is what you get.
I expect policy to be followed, and I do not like game-playing. I am always approachable and will always return your calls.
Gary Enos
I have been a proud Dearborn resident since 1976 and attended Dearborn Public Schools, where I participated in team sports at Edsel Ford High School alongside my brothers, Lorne and Dan. I’m also a proud father of my son, Sean, who continued that tradition: attending Dearborn Public Schools, playing football at Edsel Ford and now studying at Henry Ford College.
My father, Bob, was a Detroit police officer and worked security. My mother, Marianna, continues her remarkable 50-plus-year career as a nurse at Corewell Health Hospital.
I am the grandson of a World War II veteran and proudly support organizations that strengthen our community, including the Dearborn Goodfellows and Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit.
As a local small business owner, I’m proud that we recently celebrated 30 years at Falls Sports Lounge, where I continue to work hard cooking and managing each day.
During the past three years, I’ve also had the honor of serving on the Dearborn city council. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and remain focused on continuing that progress. I’m dedicated to the continued betterment of Dearborn for its residents and I would be honored to earn your vote this November.
My top priorities remain public safety, our neighborhoods and city services. As a Dearborn city council member, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together over the past three years, notably reinvesting $30 million into our parks. We’ve added two new Peace Parks and three new pools, at Ten Eyck, Summer-Stephens, and Lapeer Park in the south end. Inclusive playground equipment was also installed at Crowley, Lapeer and Ford Woods parks, ensuring that every child has a fun, safe place to play close to home.
We listened to residents’ concerns and passed one of the first short-term rental ordinances in the country, protecting neighborhood quality of life. We also helped strengthen bulk storage regulations by adding stricter fugitive dust controls to improve air quality and safeguard the health of residents in our south and east ends.
Reckless driving remains a concern, but we’ve implemented traffic-calming measures, including speed humps, illuminated stop signs, radar signs, and youth traffic education programs. Dearborn was recently ranked the second safest large city in Michigan, thanks to strong support for our police and fire departments, which I believe are second to none.
Managing a $150 million city budget requires teamwork, balance, and respect. I’m proud we’ve delivered balanced budgets all three years through collaboration with the mayor and my colleagues.
I’m committed to listening, finding solutions and continuing to serve Dearborn with integrity. I would be honored to earn your vote this November.
Mustapha Hammoud
It has been an honor to serve as a city council member. I was born and raised in Dearborn, and I graduated from Dearborn Public Schools and the University of Michigan-Dearborn. I have spent my professional career as an engineer at Ford, and I bring that problem-solving mindset to city government every day by focusing on data, impact and delivery.
During the past four years, the city council has made real progress that residents can feel. We cracked down on reckless driving with a dedicated traffic enforcement unit and targeted operations, and I supported action against irresponsible driving schools. We advanced safer street design and better signage near parks and schools. Our police and fire departments are staffed at their strongest levels in two decades, and I am proud to be endorsed by both.
We also balanced a major budget deficit without new taxes, and Dearborn is now at its lowest property tax rate in 15 years. At the same time, we improved parks and pools while investing in infrastructure and flood mitigation. My goal is to stay accessible, answer questions and follow through, and keep Dearborn safe, affordable, and moving forward.
My priorities reflect what residents tell me matters most: public safety, protecting family budgets and strong infrastructure.
First, cracking down on reckless driving and improving safety. I will continue pushing for targeted enforcement, action against bad actors, and long-term road engineering fixes that calm traffic and protect children near schools and parks. Safety comes from both consistent enforcement and better design.
My second priority is protecting family budgets. Many homeowners feel squeezed, and under this city council, Dearborn achieved its lowest tax rate in 15 years while balancing the budget and maintaining core services. I will keep scrutinizing spending, driving efficiencies and delivering visible value for every tax dollar.
Thirdly, I prioritize maintaining and modernizing city infrastructure. Residents expect dependable roads, sidewalks and drainage. I will prioritize corridor resurfacing, safer crossings, and stormwater projects that reduce flood risk, using my engineering background to focus on practical, long-term solutions.
Finally, I will also stay focused on providing reliable basic services like trash collection and snow removal, clean and well-kept neighborhoods, and a good climate for small businesses and jobs through my role on the city master plan committee. The goal is simple: a safer, more affordable, well-run Dearborn for every family.
Shadi Mawari
I work in healthcare administration for PACE, Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, of Southeast Michigan. I hold a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Michigan.
Raised by immigrant parents, I learned to serve others, listen first, and work hard for every opportunity. During my time with the city of Detroit’s workforce agency, I helped lead the JumpStart program to reengage residents to work. I also served as a public health fellow with the City of Dearborn’s Public Health Department.
We have seen more people neglect local politics while focusing on national debates and the nuances of party politics. As a young professional, I want more of my peers engaged in our community because this is where daily life is shaped. Dearborn is where I hope to start a family, and I want a city government that reflects our values, invests in neighborhoods and delivers real results.
I am running for city council to bring hands-on problem solving to our city. Good government is practical, transparent and people-centered. That means answering the phone, following through and publishing clear results. It means safer streets, stronger public health and vibrant neighborhoods across Dearborn. If you want a council member who shows up, builds coalitions and delivers measurable outcomes, I would be honored to earn your vote.
As a public health professional and the son of immigrants, I understand the challenges working class and underserved communities face because I have lived in them. From high property taxes to gaps in mental health services and the need for policies that prioritize safe, healthy living, I have seen where change is needed.
My platform brings a public health lens to every city decision. I will fight for better access to wellness resources, cleaner air in neighborhoods like the South End, and more green spaces. I will push for rezoning that prevents further industrialization and protects long term community health.
I also want to invest in the next generation by expanding youth programs that create positive outlets and real opportunities to grow and lead.
Through my work with Detroit’s workforce development department, I have seen how job training can change lives, and I want to bring similar opportunities to Dearborn. On council, I will advocate for initiatives that build a stronger local workforce, lower startup barriers, expand funding access and cut red tape so small businesses can thrive.
To address reckless driving, I support stronger enforcement, smarter street design, and accountability through prosecution and community service.
Above all, leadership must be accessible. I am running to be someone people can rely on and trust to fight for their future.
Devon O’Reilly
As a 35-year resident of Dearborn who grew up in neighborhoods on both the east and west sides of the city, I believe strongly that the diversity of our community is one of our greatest strengths.
I currently serve the city as the vice-chair of the West Downtown Development Authority. In my professional career at the Detroit Regional Chamber, and with other organizations, I have spent 15 years driving economic development and small business growth throughout the region.
Currently, I serve as president of one of the cities’ most cherished historical and community assets, the Henry Ford Estate. I am also a proud graduate of the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
I am running for city council for the same reason my father did 35 years ago: to ensure that the Dearborn my family grows up in is as incredible and fulfilling as the one I experienced. I am a third-generation public servant to the people of Dearborn, with my father and grandfather’s service going back more than 50 years in Dearborn. I remain inspired by them to serve the residents of Dearborn and make this the greatest place to live possible.
My goal is to lend my professional expertise and fresh perspective to this council to further grow our vibrant community. My top priorities include: leveraging my economic development and small business experience to help grow our incredible small business community and bring new investments into the city, increasing our tax base.
Another priority is supporting our great public services, including our police and fire departments, to make sure they have all the resources needed to make Dearborn even safer.
I will make every decision based solely on what’s best for all the residents of Dearborn, not special interest groups or outside organizations.
Finally, like my father Jack O’Reilly, Jr., I believe Dearborn is strongest when we are united, and like him I vow to stand up to anyone who comes here seeking to divide us or spread hate in our city.
Ahmad Othman
I am a proud Dearborn resident, a student of industrial and management systems engineering, and the owner of a food distribution company. My background combines education, business and community service, giving me the experience and practical skills to serve our city effectively.
Through my work, I’ve learned how to lead teams, manage budgets and solve complex problems. I understand how important it is to make responsible decisions, communicate honestly and work together for real progress. These values are at the heart of my campaign for Dearborn city council.
I am not running for a title or position: I am running to serve the people of Dearborn. I want to be a strong voice for families, youth and small business owners who care about our city’s future. With honesty, dedication and energy, I’m ready to represent every resident and help make Dearborn safer, stronger and more united.
My top priorities for Dearborn are safety, infrastructure, small business support and smart budgeting, the foundation for a better city.
From a safety perspective, I will focus on reducing accidents and reckless driving, protecting our children and ensuring that every neighborhood feels secure.
With respect to infrastructure and public services, I will push for faster repairs to roads, improved drainage systems and better city services. Our residents deserve clean streets, safe sidewalks and reliable public works.
Small business support is also a priority, and as a business owner, I understand the challenges local entrepreneurs face. I will work to simplify the permit process, encourage youth entrepreneurship and promote local investment that creates more jobs.
I support smart budgeting, and I believe in using taxpayer money wisely. I will ensure that every dollar is spent responsibly and directed toward projects that make a real difference in residents’ lives.
Together, we can build a safer, smarter and more connected Dearborn for everyone.
Ken Paris
I continue to be committed to Dearborn and want to serve another four years on the city council.
My wife Jamie of 45 years is a University of Michigan-Dearborn grad. We have two adult children and are blessed with two grandchildren. Both of my children are police officers in other communities and my daughter is also a practicing clinical psychologist. My son-in-law is also a police officer and my daughter-in-law is an X-ray technician.
I attended Dearborn Public Schools and obtained a criminal justice degree from Henry Ford College. I also attended the University of Michigan-Dearborn and I’m a graduate of the Eastern Michigan University School of Police Staff and Command program.
I retired from the Dearborn police department with more than 27 years of police and command officer experience. I also served as the operations supervisor and acting chief and director for the University of Michigan-Dearborn Department of Public Safety for 12 years. I also worked for 7.5 years as an armed corporate security officer for AAA Michigan.
I grew up in this community and served as a career law enforcement officer in both municipal and university policing. In the last four years there has continued to be a need to address public safety issues. Our residents and police officers face real challenges and concerns about traffic safety and crime. I believe we as a council have been addressing these issues head on, but need the fortitude to do even more. We need to continue to provide professional law enforcement and fire services to residents, while addressing the needs of our public safety team, which includes our public safety dispatchers.
As an incumbent council member, neighborhoods continue to be a priority for me, as well as senior services. Our city is still facing litter and garbage collection issues, and I am committed to further address these concerns. I am also committed to infrastructure improvements, to provide more transparency, and to review and revise the Historic District ordinance.
Michael Sareini
I’ve lived in Dearborn my entire life. It’s where I grew up, built my career and raised my five children. Today, as a husband, father, and proud grandfather, my greatest hope is that Dearborn continues to be a city where every family can thrive.
I’ve been a licensed attorney since 2013, and that background has taught me to approach every decision with fairness, discipline and respect for the law. Those same principles guide my work as city council president, putting residents first, protecting taxpayer dollars and focusing on practical results rather than popularity.
During the past four years, we’ve made measurable progress, with balanced budgets, safer streets through a new traffic safety unit and historic investments in public safety and infrastructure. But there’s still more to do.
I’m seeking re-election to continue that work: to protect neighborhoods, invest wisely in our future and build a stronger Dearborn for my grandchildren and for yours.
My top priorities are the same as the concerns I hear most from residents: improving public safety, maintaining fiscal discipline, strengthening our infrastructure and protecting the quality of life in every neighborhood.
Public safety remains my highest priority. I helped create Dearborn’s first traffic safety unit to crack down on reckless driving and make our streets safer. We also restored a fully staffed police department and hired the highest number of firefighters in city history. Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home and neighborhood.
I also believe that a government should never spend more than it takes in. I have worked to hold the line on taxes while maintaining essential services and investing responsibly in projects that make our city stronger and more resilient for the future. As city council president, I bring experienced leadership, accountability and a steady hand to every decision. I am focused on protecting taxpayers, supporting first responders, and keeping our neighborhoods clean, safe and well-maintained. Dearborn deserves leadership that delivers real results and a city government residents can trust.