Candidate Profile: Hassan F. Abdallah, Dearborn City Charter

DEARBORN, MI — There are nine open seats for Dearborn City Charter Commission in November's general elections.

To help readers make informed choices, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Hassan F. Abdallah is running for Dearborn City Charter Commission. Here's how he filled out profile:

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Age (as of Election Day)

31

Position Sought

Dearborn City Charter Commission

Party Affiliation

Family

Samar my wife is a PA-C at St. Joe's in Ann Arbor. We have two daughters, Ayah (2), and Layla (1 month).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes

Education

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, BA Economics & Finance from Wayne State University

Occupation

I have over 10 years of experience in Regulatory and Government Compliance within the Healthcare, Municipal and Finance industries.

Most recently I served the Interim Chief Compliance Officer for a leading MI Health Plan in Southeast Michigan.

I am the co-founder of the SAFE Substance Abuse Coalition - A local non-have been focused on addressing the substance abuse and mental health issues within Dearborn. I have been an active community volunteer and advocate with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Rotary Club and ACCESS for over 10 years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

votehassanabdallah.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for Charter Commission because I firmly believe that serving the public in this forum is a service to the future of our city. I am a proud life-long Dearborn resident. My father immigrated to Dearborn in the 1950’s and along with my mom raised all 10 of my siblings in Dearborn and we are all proud products of Dearborn Public Schools. I have been an active community volunteer and activist for over 15 years and co-founded the non-profit organization, the SAFE Substance Abuse Coalition in 2016. I graduated from Wayne State with a bachelor’s in economics and received my law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. My wife Samar and I are raising our two daughters (Ayah and Layla) here in Dearborn and proud homeowners.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Each and every proposed change will have downstream implications on key city functions such as our taxes, elections, public safety, and governance. It’s imperative that all commissioners operate with the necessary foresight and long-term vision for all decisions impacting such an important document.

The Charter Commission will be involved from City Administration, third parties and residents – all of which should be wholistically considered and weighed before making any decisions. I am fully committed to making myself accessible and available to all residents – even outside of the public meetings in order to ensure I am advocating on behalf of those who entrusted their vote to me.

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

My experiences have uniquely positioned me to succeed and lead in these areas and build consensus with my fellow commissioners. My academic background and professional experience as a regulatory compliance officer and civil mediator requires the ability to remain objective and impartial in my decision making. If I am elected, I plan to listen to my colleagues with the intent to learn and make calculated decisions that will serve the best interest for all of Dearborn. In my current position I am required to do this every single day – I will review a set of facts, circumstances and data and required to make decisions calculated, centered, and disciplined - decisions that are supported by data, legally sound and deliver positive outcomes for our entire community. In my work as a Civil Mediator and as a Non-Profit Leader – I have consistently worked towards the best interest for all parties and operating as a conduit of positivity for the entire community. For me, I take seriously the level of work, research, and collaboration the Commission will require. I am dedicated to seeing this process through and believe my skill set I utilize every day will translate effectively in my work as a commissioner.

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?

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

• While the entire charter is equally important and vital to me, the matters that rise to the top of my priority list are creating a framework of city government that ensures have a system of checks and balances across all levels of government, ensuring public safety for our residents and families and a government that champions our diversity and reflects the voices of all of its residents.
• The process of reviewing and revising the Charter will have input from the Administration, City Council, fellow Commissioners, and the public – all of which should be utilized to identify additional areas of focus and debate outside of those presented by the 9 commissioners. I do not see the Commission as a conduit to pursue any individual interests– yet I see the Commission as a team that will be required to research and analyze data/information and have productive dialogue on making changes that are only necessary and bring value to the entire community.

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

As an accomplished Regulatory Compliance Officer, Civil Mediator and Contract Manager - I work with the legal and regulatory language (such as that in the Charter) every single day. Many sections within our Charter reference State Law and other applicable regulatory guidelines and statutes - all of which are extremely intricate and require individuals to have the requisite background and experiences to understand how such language impacts vital functions within our City Charter.

I am a seasoned Civil Mediator and have the experience and track record in making objective and tough decisions that are necessary.

The work of the Charter Commission will require great discipline and the ability to work and listen to others - I believe my professional and civic experiences have uniquely positioned me to succeed in these areas and to build a consensus with my fellow peers.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My mother always taught me that materials things will come and go in life - but your word and reputation - those stay with you forever. Think before you speak, breathe before you act, and always listen to others.

My father gave me my work ethic and taught me to work hard, never settle but always remain humble.

I keep these lessons close to me and remind myself of them every single day.

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

• I am running because I do not believe in sitting on the sidelines in a time where there is opportunity to serve the city that has given me and family so much. I love the City of Dearborn and would be humbled to give back to it through the critical work of the Charter Commission. I greatly value the impact the Charter Commission will have on our city for many years and believe that my background and professional and civic experiences have uniquely positioned me to succeed with my fellow commissioners as conduits of positive change.
• For more information on my campaign, you can visit votehassanabdallah.com or find me on Instagram or Facebook at ‘Hassan F. Abdallah’ and on or before November 2nd, I would be humbled to be considered as one of your 9 votes for the Dearborn Charter Commission.