DEARBORN (WWJ) - The city of Dearborn inaugurated its first Muslim and Arab-American mayor, Abdullah Hammoud, Saturday afternoon.
Hammoud was sworn in at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center alongside other city counsel members.
The ceremony was livestreamed on social media where Hammoud opened this speech by honoring the late congressman, John Dingel of Dearborn.
"As I think about the work ahead of us, I remember the words of the late congressmen John Dingle in his final address to the public," said Hammoud.
"He said, and I quote, 'Elected officials do not have power, they hold power and trust from the people who elected them.' Everything we do will begin with that basic truth -- that the people of Dearborn have the ultimate power. That their trust must be earned, rather than granted."
Hammoud thanked his supporters and vowed to tackle issues within the community while remaining connected to the public.
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"As an administration, we will mold our Dearborn government to be as dynamic and civic-minded as the people of our city," Hammoud said.
"And that’s why my number one goal as mayor was to assemble the most qualified team of expert public service the city has ever seen. Together we’re on a mission to prove we can solve the biggest problems we face while being transparent, responsive and accessible to all.”
Hammoud -- born to Lebanese immigrants -- was born and raised in Dearborn, which is home to the largest community of Arab Americans in the U.S. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor of science, and holds two master’s degrees in public health and business administration.
He served as a state legislator for several years before running for mayor in his home city. Hammoud defeated long-time politician Gary Woronchak in November of 2021 and has been serving as Dearborn's mayor since Jan. 1.
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