By Simon Albaugh \u2013 Yemeni American News<\/p>\n
HAMTRAMCK, Mich. \u2013 Organized through OZ Media, the latest debate for Hamtramck\u2019s Mayoral Candidates has clarified that this election is about the status quo and whether it\u2019s finally time for a change in leadership.<\/p>\n
The debate fielded six questions to each candidate, allowing Dr. Amer Ghalib and Incumbent Karen Majewski to continue expressing their positions on a variety of pressing challenges for Hamtramck. By the last question, each candidate made clear that this election is about either maintaining business as usual or getting fresh leadership into the city.<\/p>\n
The six questions played to the leadership styles and strengths of the candidates. At one point, a moderator asked to about the educational background of each candidate. With both Dr. Ghalib and Majewski having highly advanced degrees, the candidates showed that their education has defined aspects of their leadership.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is medicine all about?\u201d Dr. Ghalib said. \u201cIt\u2019s about serving and caring for the people. It\u2019s all about diagnosing the problem and treating it. It\u2019s all about research and evidence-based practices. So utilizing all of these skills that I\u2019ve learned through all these years, I\u2019m sure that I will be able to add something to residents and to the city as a whole.\u201d<\/p>\n
As far as Education goes for Majewski, who has a Ph.D. in American Culture, she uses this background for what she explains as being a spokesperson for Hamtramck\u2019s narrative.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat background gave me some opportunities,\u201d Majewski said. \u201cI think it opened up some opportunities to speak on Hamtramck\u2019s behalf in front of academic institutions, international news organizations, government agencies from around the world. They\u2019ve sought me out, because of that background, to tell Hamtramck\u2019s story.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was easy to tell that questions were made to favor both. When detailed planning for specific challenges were in question, Majewski was able to show her experience well with realistic priorities to address challenges like infrastructure and criticism over the parking system.<\/p>\n
On the other end of the table, Dr. Ghalib made a more charismatic case for his campaign of change. Although the details of many of his plans seemed to be riffs on whatever Majewski had said, the questions surrounding his philosophies of leadership seemed to be his saving grace in front of potential voters.<\/p>\n
Specifically, Dr. Ghalib stressed that he would work with the majority on decisions surrounding cultural challenges \u2013 like the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag, Marijuana Dispensaries and the Human Rights Ordinance.<\/p>\n
One of the biggest points of critique for the mayor\u2019s decision-making process is that she often makes these decisions based on a point of liberal secularism. When a conflicting issue is brought before City Council, the tie-breaking vote may be seen as against the will of the majority. Hamtramck is a devoutly religious city. Its majority does want to keep the city prudent, within reason.<\/p>\n
Of course, the Mayor has stated that she only wants the city to be a welcoming place for everyone. And while a majority may be disapproving of these things, it may very well be these decisions Majewski has made that keep this city the welcoming place that it is, given that many decisions have made the city vulnerable to lawsuits<\/span><\/a> and protests<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n Dr. Ghalib has made his differing philosophies on leadership apparent. Looking at the will of the majority of the city, he\u2019s prepared to offer a different style of leadership than what\u2019s been seen before.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to think about how democracy works,\u201d Dr. Ghalib said. \u201cWe have to go with \u2013 I don\u2019t want to say the majority of the people, but it\u2019s a difficult decision. But I will take into consideration the opinion of my constituents who voted for me, while protecting the rights of the minority opinion.\u201d<\/p>\n Sitting across from Dr. Ghalib, Mayor Majewski wanted to make clear what led to her decisions throughout the past years of leadership.<\/p>\n \u201cI know that most people would agree that human rights and scientific fact take precedence,\u201d Majewski said. \u201cAnd in the end, the overall interests of the entire city guide my decisions, but I reach those decisions by leading with my values and listening to facts.\u201d<\/p>\n The General election that will decide the next mayor will take place on Nov. 2. Polls open at 7am and close at 8pm. Absentee ballots can be turned in at the City Clerk\u2019s office up to 8pm.<\/p>\n