Abraham Aiyash, a Hamtramck, MI resident is running for State House District 4.
Age: 26
Party affiliation: Democratic Party
Family:I have seven siblings and am the child of Yemeni immigrants.
Occupation:Statewide Training and Political Leadership Director
Previous elected experience:Not applicable
Family members in government:My sister is an elected official on the Hamtramck School Board
Campaign website: voteaiyash.com
The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The double pandemic of COVID-19 and racism. As state representative I intend to tackle the inequity faced by Black and Brown communities in environment, education, employment, and healthcare.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am a product of my district. My parents moved to Hamtramck from Yemen, where my father has worked as autoworker. I was raised in House District 4 in a working class family. My political career has been shaped by advocating for our district, including the fight to shut down the incinerator that was polluting our community.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
At a young age, I began by knocking doors for President Obama during his campaign. I have worked as legislative staff for former representatives, and most recently I was a surrogate for Senator Bernie Sanders during his presidential campaign.
What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?
The state government should keep the moratorium on evictions and water shutoffs in place and the pandemic is over. Local businesses should be provided with the resources necessary to allow them to safely reopen and operate. As the winter is around the corner, we must be prepared to support businesses whose hospitality can only be conducted in doors.
How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?
I plan to work in coalition with what community organizers in my district are advocating for. Together, we can work using our various outlets to enact change. So much change happens within communities, and I plan to channel their powerful activism and bring that to the State House floor. I will vote on legislation that reduces presence and power of police in communities of color, to decriminalize our schools, and protect protesters rights.
List other issues that define your campaign platform:
As our youth adjust to new forms of learning, I plan to propose legislation that will push for Wifi for all in order to close the educational gap that can be further widened by remote learning, especially for students from low income families.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
My campaign was run completely grassroots, taking no corporate money. As I begin my political career, I stand firmly against lobbyist money and influence. I represent the interest of the people in my district and not corporate welfare.
This article originally appeared on the Detroit Patch