DEARBORN —The Arab American Political Action Committee
(AAPAC) met at The Arab American News office on Wednesday, March 30 to elect
officers for 2011.

The yearly election was completed and the following officers
were elected: Attorney Mariam Bazzi as President, attorney Nabih Ayad as
External Vice President, attorney Ali Hammoud as Internal Vice President,
attorney Zenna El Hassan as Secretary, and Osama Siblani as Treasurer.

Each candidate was nominated by an election committee that
was comprised of members who were not running for positions this year.

Attorney Mariam Bazzi

Bazzi said the organization is focused on getting more
involved with youth from the community to allow them to become engaged in the
political process in 2011. AAPAC also hopes to revive its past tradition of
“Dinner and Politics” events during which community members can join
in an informal dinner with politicians and newsmakers over which they can
discuss key issues. The group also plans to start a new legislative committee
to more quickly address issues affecting the community.

AAPAC was founded in 1998 by a group of Arab American
professionals. Its main objective is to encourage Arab Americans to participate
in local, state and national politics, support and encourage community members
to register and cast their ballots, and run for public offices in addition to
supporting candidates that are in good standing with the community and support
its causes.