Candidate Profile: Kamal Alsawafy, Dearborn City Council

DEARBORN, MI — There are seven open seats for Dearborn City Council 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.

Kamal Alsawafy is running for Dearborn City Council. Here's how he filled out his profile:

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Age (as of Election Day)

33

Position Sought

Dearborn City Council

Party Affiliation

Family

• Noora Alsawafy, 35 sister
• Amena Alsawafy, 19 sisterFatima Alsawafy, 19 sister
• Ahmed Alsawafy, 19 brother
• Mohammad Alsawafy, 68 father
• Hala Mohammad, 58 mother

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

• B.A. in Pre-Business Law and Supply Chain Management from the University of Michigan- Dearborn
• M.B.A. with a concentration in Global Supply Chain Management from Wayne State University

Occupation

Small Business Development Manager for Wayne County

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

votekamal.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

Dearborn has given me so much: it is the city I grew up in and the city that I launched my academic and professional career in, but most importantly, it is the city I call home. I am running for city council to be your voice, to listen, to put in the work, and to fight for Dearborn. This campaign is about putting people first. This is our moment to build a better Dearborn that works for everyone.

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

Our small businesses are critical to the economic success of the city but many businesses opt out of launching in Dearborn due to many of the antiquated and convoluted city processes in place as well as red-tape. As Wayne County’s Business Development Manager, I have worked hand in hand with our small business community to promote a thriving culture of entrepreneurial spirit and economic development within the City. I have the necessary skills and expertise to help new businesses launch and flourish, ultimately bringing in additional revenue sources and attracting new investments into our City.

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

I am the only candidate who has a unique business background and first-hand government experience at Wayne County. I believe these experiences have adequately equipped me to serve my city by working to revitalize our business districts and create a more small business friendly environment within Dearborn.

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

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

I think it’s fair to say that the COVID-19 pandemic took us all by storm. Our elected officials were faced with highly unprecedented and unique challenges and I think they navigated the situation rather well. It’s important to learn from our collective experiences since the onset of the pandemic and ensure safeguards are set in place so we can prepare for the future.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Public Safety

Every person who calls Dearborn home should feel secure in the knowledge that public safety is a top priority. I am committed to maintaining the highest public safety standards and ensuring our front-line workers are well funded, trained, and staffed.

Infrastructure
Outdated city infrastructure has proved itself to be a massive threat to public safety, health, and wellbeing. To ensure residents are protected against future natural disasters, I will work to support infrastructural improvements in the most vulnerable segments of our city and adapt innovative, cost-effective solutions including water retention basins that will offset pressure from our sewer systems and keep residents safe.

Economic Development

On Council, I will utilize my years of public sector experience to develop our downtowns and business districts, creating a more small business-friendly environment.

Senior Services

Our senior community is a top priority. I am committed to supporting initiatives like Meals on Wheels, expanding recreational programming, and providing great amenities within City managed senior homes.

Parks and Environment

Dearborn is home to many beautiful parks and green spaces which service residents across the city. I will work hard to build on our city’s many pocket parks and community playgrounds, improving infrastructure, accessibility, and cleanliness.

Veterans Affairs

As a veteran and service member myself, I understand the importance of taking care of those who served our country. Currently, I serve as a board member on the 19th Judicial District Veterans Treatment Court, which is designed to help veterans who suffer from mental health disorders. On council, I will work to promote and expand similar programs that serve our veterans.

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

My experience as Chrysler Automotive’s Logistics Engineer, my leadership in the National Guard, my experience in the US military, and my history with several start-up companies have equipped me with a rather unique perspective that will help create a better Dearborn that works for all.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

When I first enlisted in the military, my sergeant would always drill us “people first, mission always,” he would say. He always reminded me to lead with the army values of courage, integrity, honesty, and respect. I hold these values near and dear to my heart and they are the same values you can count on me to lead with on council.

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

I am a life-long Dearborn resident, advocate, and public servant. As a Lieutenant and Platoon Leader in the National Guard’s 837th Engineering Battalion, I have served our country. As our Wayne County Business Development Manager, I have served our county in overseeing the attraction and expansion of businesses. And now, with your support, I hope to use my years of private and public sector experience, to serve our city as your next Councilman. I am committed to cracking down on crime, lowering property taxes, updating our outdated infrastructure, promoting a thriving small business community, and maintaining safe, clean parks. I am uniquely qualified to serve and have the relevant background and experience to deliver the highest standard of city services to residents