About the Dearborn City Charter Commission
The City Charter acts as the city's constitution, outlines the powers and responsibilities of the Dearborn City Government, and provides guidelines for democratic processes. To ensure this vital document remains current, Dearborn voters have the opportunity to initiate a Charter Review Process every 12 years. In November 2021, nine Dearborn residents were elected to serve on the City Charter Commission. Study sessions are a part of the Commission’s commitment to transparent, two-way communication with the community. The results of these outreach efforts help guide the Commission’s work in creating a comprehensive City Charter.
Commissioners
Hassan F.Abdallah
Charter Commission Chair
BiographyHassan F.Abdallah
Charter Commission Chair
Hassan F. Abdallah, JD, CHC, CPCM, was unanimously elected by his fellow commissioners to serve the pivotal role of chair of the Charter Commission. A lifelong Dearborn resident, he is a seasoned corporate compliance and legal officer, a certified civil mediator, and one of the youngest healthcare executives in the country. He has a long history of participation in youth recreation programs, is a Dearborn Rotary Club member, and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and ACCESS.
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SharonDulmage
Charter Commission Vice-Chair
BiographySharonDulmage
Charter Commission Vice-Chair
Sharon Dulmage has been a Dearborn resident since 1963. She is a registered nurse employed by PACE of Southeast Michigan.Her many years of community involvement include serving as trustee of Dearborn Public Schools and Henry Ford College for 23 years. She earned degrees at Henry Ford College, Detroit College of Business and Central Michigan University.
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LauraDudgeon
Charter Commissioner
BiographyLauraDudgeon
Charter Commissioner
Laura Dudgeon chose Dearborn as a place to raise her son nearly 35 years ago.She retired from AT&T after 30 years.Her entire life has been volunteering in the community.Currently, Laura works with the League of Women Voters, Dearborn Democrats, NAACP and AAUW.In the past she was active with Citizens for Dearborn Schools, Pet-A-Pet Therapy, RMQP Innocent Victims of Gun Crimes, Dearborn Youth Association, PTA, Boy Scouts, and Football Moms.
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Hussein M.Hachem
Charter Commissioner
BiographyHussein M.Hachem
Charter Commissioner
Hussein M. Hachem is a multiple award-winning education advocate and entrepreneur whose dedication to diversity, inclusiveness and learning has earned him the reputation as an innovative leader in the educational and nonprofit sectors. Throughout the course of nearly a decade, he has cultivated in-depth expertise in his field and received extensive acclaim. Hussein is the founder and CEO of EduCare Student Services and What's Up Media Network. Infinitely dedicated to his community, he also holds active memberships at numerous renowned nonprofit organizations.
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Timothy Harrison
Charter Commissioner
BiographyTimothy Harrison
Charter Commissioner
Timothy Harrison is a lifelong resident of Dearborn with his wife and two children. For the past seven years, he has been involved with the Southwestern Outer Drive Neighborhood Association of Dearborn and served as president for the last six years. As a member and team leader with the Healthy Dearborn Coalition, Timothy has been instrumental in planning, organizing and executing programs as part of the Healthy Environments for Physical Activity Action Team. He also enjoys biking and promoting an active lifestyle through building a biking community.
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CherylHawkins
Charter Commissioner
BiographyCherylHawkins
Charter Commissioner
Dr. Cheryl Hawkins has called Dearborn home for 39 years, and it’s where she and her husband raised their two sons, Timothy and Michael. She holds a doctorate degree in education and recently retired from Schoolcraft College, where she ended her career as vice president and chief academic officer. Cheryl serves as the chair of the board of directors for the Development Centers. She considers herself a lifelong learner, enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, Charlie and Maddy, and is honored to be elected to serve on the Charter Commission.
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JamesO'Connor
Charter Commissioner
BiographyJamesO'Connor
Charter Commissioner
James O’Connor moved to Dearborn early in grade school and considers himself a lifelong Dearborn resident. He has lived in both the east and west sides of town and is proud to call Dearborn home.James retired Dec. 31, 2018 as the treasurer and Finance Department director of the City of Dearborn with over 26 years of service. He’s interested in the long-term best interest of the entire community.
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GlennO'Kray
Charter Commissioner
BiographyGlennO'Kray
Charter Commissioner
L. Glenn O’Kray has been married to C. Jane O’Kray for 55 years, and they have two daughters, Sarah and Rebecca. He was the director of financial aid at Henry Ford College for 30 years and also was an adjunct instructor. He has been an officer on the Dearborn Historical Commission, Morley Area Residents Association, Museum Guild of Dearborn, Dearborn Democratic Club, Henry Ford College Adjunct Faculty Organization, and the College Administrators Association, and is a lector at Sacred Heart. He moderates the CDTV program “Through the Arsenal Gates,” and edited/co-edited six books on Dearborn and produced “Building America: Immigrant Stories of Hope and Hardship.”
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KimberlyIsmail
Commissioner
BiographyKimberlyIsmail
Commissioner
Kimberly Ismail is a lifelong resident of Dearborn, and her entire professional career has been predicated on hard work. She began her business career with Ford Motor Company and then transitioned to the Educational sector. Kimberly works as an Administrative Assistant/Office Manager for the Dearborn Public School District. She volunteers in her community and advocates for those who are food insecure. She serves on many boards and enjoys traveling with her son, Mohamad. Kimberly is writing a children's book about kindness and good virtues.
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Charter Commission Meetings & Documents
The documents contained within the2024 Proposed Dearborn City Charter folder reflect the final revised Charter proposed by the elected City of Dearborn Charter Commission. This revised Charter has been approved in accordance and in alignment with State law by the Attorney General's office and the office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Voters elected not to adopt the proposed City Charter proposition in the August 6, 2024 Primary Election.
