Candidate Profile: Susan A. Dabaja For Dearborn Mayor

Susan A. Dabaja

Age (as of Election Day)

44

Position Sought

Dearborn Mayor

Party Affiliation

N/A

Family

Husband - Majid Hammoud, 55
Daughter - Claudia Hammoud, 22
Daughter - Joël Hammoud, 17
Son - Adam Hammoud, 15

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

N/A

Education

B.S. University of Michigan - Dearborn
J.D. University of Detroit-Mercy, Magna Cum Laude, Valedictorian

Occupation

Attorney (17 years), Dearborn Council President (7+ years)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Council President

Campaign website

www.susandabaja.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I understand the unique challenges and opportunities our city faces. As a practicing attorney, active volunteer, and City Council President, I am the only person with recent and relevant municipal experience to run our city government effectively. I have worked diligently as Council President to tackle tough challenges and forge solutions that work for Dearborn and I know that I can accomplish more as Mayor. With my leadership, institutional knowledge, legal experience, and passion, Dearborn will thrive. As Mayor, I will continue my stellar record of serving Dearborn, offering new ideas for an ever-changing city at a very critical time.
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

My top priority in office is to audit and reassess each department’s funding levels, and build a budget vertically from a clean slate instead of our current horizontal model. I will conduct a line-by-line review of the city budget to remove any excess spending and find ways to deliver city services more efficiently, focusing on our city’s critical needs including infrastructure, public safety, and services. Moreover, I will work to streamline city services without impacting the city day-to-day operations by introducing new technology.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

In addition to being the only attorney running for Mayor, I am the only candidate that has had to lead through a crisis in the city, not once but twice. I have taken on the mantle of leadership and helped Dearborn residents emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and the most recent flooding crisis, providing residents with tools, resources, and information to help this city find relief. I am the strongest advocate of any candidate for our police and fire departments, earning the coveted endorsement of both the Dearborn Police and Fire Unions. Moreover, I am the only candidate with recent and relevant municipal experience and the only candidate that is capable of leading on day one.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

N/A

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

As the only candidate that has had to lead during the coronavirus, I am proud of the work we accomplished:
Worked to support local business owners in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing funds for the Dearborn Small Business Relief Grant Program that awarded up to $5,000 to about 100 businesses
Supported efforts to establish an Eviction Prevention Support program that offered over $900,000 in funding to help people pay for rent, mortgage, utilities, and home insurance
In response to the indoor dining restrictions, I worked to appropriate funding for the procurements of tents, igloos, heating, lighting, and other equipment to directly support restaurants. In addition, I worked to approve various ordinances to make parking lots space available for outdoor service areas, removing red tape for businesses to adapt to coronavirus guidelines
Secured 500 COVID-19 vaccines for the senior citizen community with the help of the Detroit Metro Center
Worked to allocate funding towards contracting of healthcare providers to assist firefighters in the Dearborn Vaccination Clinic
Took initiative and started Bi-Weekly forums for our viewers and residents to provide pertinent information from the city’s perspective as well as our partners’ related to the COVID 19 pandemic, emergency funding, business assistance, and the federal response
Worked with local restaurants and businesses to donate food to our first responders who are serving on the frontlines of the COVID 19-response and vaccine center
Worked with the Dearborn Fire Department and allocated funds to establish the Dearborn Vaccination Center, which has been a model for many communities throughout the state
Worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to secure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and oxygen tanks, to support local residents, hospitals, clinics, and businesses in need.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am the only candidate that addresses a diverse array of issues that our residents face, because I know first hand what our residents expect from a leader.

Economic Development: I understand that small business is the cornerstone of Dearborn’s economy. As Mayor, I will work to promote small business growth and economic development across all corners of our city.

Public Health & Environment: I believe that the health and wellbeing of Dearborn residents is critical to enhancing quality of life. Like so many Dearborn residents, I enjoy the outdoor spaces our city has to offer, and since the onset of the pandemic, I understand even better the need for these spaces. Moreover, I have witnessed the detrimental effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Dearborn and understand the role that city government must play in protecting our communities.

Public Safety: Public safety is a top priority for our city. The safety of our families, our homes, and our neighborhoods is one of the things that makes Dearborn such a desirable place to live. I will work to ensure that all who live and enter our city will have positive, equitable, and fair interactions.

Government Efficiency and Effectiveness: 21st Century Government: I believe citizens should have easy access to all information regarding city processes so that they are able to make informed decisions and hold their public officials accountable.

Sustainability: Connecting with nature in our neighborhoods, parks, and open spaces will improve the overall quality of life for Dearborn residents. As Mayor, I will increase these community connections with nature and ensure it is done in culturally competent ways with early and frequent engagement with the Dearborn communities they serve.

Mobility: A large city with a small-town feel, Dearborn is unique in its ability to build community across all corners of the city. I understand that mobility is the lifeblood of our city and is key to keeping us connected, so I am committed to making Dearborn a more walkable and bikeable city.

Recreation: I understand that creating a better use of our city’s public spaces for community functions, arts performances, and sporting events is critical to Dearborn’s revival.
Property Taxes: I am the only candidate with the experience, knowledge, and expertise to effectively manage the City’s budget while finding ways to reduce costs to save taxpayers money.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

One of my first goals on council was spearheading the elimination of paid parking and later approving funding for a parking structure that helped make the Wagner Place development possible, thereby rejuvenating our downtowns and business districts. I worked tirelessly to introduce and pass the first of its kind fugitive dust ordinance to help improve air quality in the South End of Dearborn. I worked to help establish the Dix-Vernor and Warren Ave Corridor Authorities. I supported the development of the Dingell Transit Center. I am the only candidate that had to step up to the plate approving emergency funding and leading our city during the most recent floods and the pandemic, and I am proud of the work that I have done on council. A list of some of my accomplishments can be found at: https://www.susandabaja.com/accomplishments.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Early on in my career, a dear friend of mine shared with me some of the best advice I’ve ever gotten: it is infinitely wiser to listen to what others had to say instead of simply talking to fill up space. I’ve found tremendous merit in this approach as when you choose to actively listen to someone, with an open mind and an honest heart, you gain so much. I’ve found that being an active listener has made me learn and grow personally and professionally, as my ideas and beliefs are challenged, questioned, and affirmed.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I understand the unique challenges and opportunities our city has been facing. As a practicing attorney, active volunteer, and City Council President, I am the only person with recent and relevant municipal experience to run our city government effectively. I have worked diligently as Council President to tackle tough challenges and forge solutions that work for Dearborn and I know that I can and will accomplish much more as Mayor. I am confident that everything I have gained from my personal and professional lives - the balance, the work ethic, the empathy, the experience and strength of character - has prepared me to lead our city. With my leadership, institutional knowledge, legal experience, integrity and passion, Dearborn will thrive in ways we haven’t seen before. As Mayor, I will continue my dedicated record of serving Dearborn, offering new ideas for an ever-changing city at a very critical time. You can trust me to be the serious leader Dearborn needs--a unifier, a go-getter, and a trusted public servant--to take Dearborn into a more prosperous tomorrow.