Former Mayor Commissioner “Al”Haidous retires

Commissioner Al Haidous is presented with a City of Wayne flag by Wayne Council persons Kathy Lawrence, Rabih Darwiche, Deb Wass, Mayor Pro Tem Alfred Brock, Council persons Don Quarles, Kevin Dowd and Mayor John Rhaesa. Photo by Ali Said

By Sarah Shurge – If you voted last month, you might have noticed a familiar name missing from the ballot.
After 40 plus years of work and dedication to the city of Wayne, former Mayor Abdul “Al” Haidous, decided to no longer seek another term as Wayne County Commissioner.
“I write to inform you that in the upcoming election, I will not seek another term. I will complete my term ending December 31st, 2024, and will be stepping down as your Wayne County Commissioner at that time,” said Haidous, Wayne County Commissioner, in a press release.
Haidous attended the Wayne city council meeting on Tuesday, November 19th, to address the city of Wayne personally.
“I felt I should come here tonight to let the citizens of Wayne know about my decision and thank you, thank the mayor, and the city council, the city manager, and all the department heads, all the city employees for making the city of Wayne a special city and community to me,” said Haidous.
Hadious even turned away from the podium and thanked the citizens attending the meeting.
“I will keep saying thank you because my American dream story is a story that the community in the city of Wayne should have the credit for,” said Haidous. “I’m here to thank the citizens of Wayne for a great American story where it began almost with nothing but hope.”
Haidous was first elected in November 2014 to represent the Wayne County Commission’s 11th District, which covers the cities of Belleville, Romulus and Wayne; Huron, Sumpter and Van Buren townships; and part of the city of Westland.
There are seven communities in District-11, but Wayne has always felt like “home” to Haidous.
Haidous had served as the city of Wayne’s mayor from 2001-2014.
“My story begins in this city. The support, the love, and the respect the citizens of Wayne gave me in 1974 when I moved to Wayne got me to where I’m at today. I wouldn’t be able to do what I did without their support, respect, and love to me, my wife, and my family,” said Haidous.
After many years of service, Haidous decided to retire from his position as Wayne County Commissioner.
“I decided to hang my hat and try to have time to volunteer, listen to my wife, and try to see what it looks like to get up in the morning and you don’t have to look at a calendar,” said Haidous.
Tuesday, December 31st, will be his last day.
“I’ll be available for volunteerism if you ever need me,” said Haidous.
Haidous received a standing ovation from those attending the meeting. Wayne Mayor John Rhaesa presented Haidous with a plaque of gratitude and a giant City of Wayne flag. “It’s great to live in the city of Wayne,” said Hadious.
We thank Haidous for all the work he’s done for the city of Wayne and wish him the best with his upcoming retirement!