HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – The Hamtramck City Council is expected to vote this month on whether two council members should be removed from the council and the ballot in this year’s city election.
This decision follows a report from a private investigator hired by the city, which found that council members Muhith Mahmood and Abu Musa do not reside in Hamtramck.
“How you going to represent a city and you don’t live there. That ain’t right,” said Hamtramck resident Anthony Rice.
The investigator reported at the April 25 council meeting that, based on surveillance, GPS tracking, and public records, Mahmood lives in Troy and Musa lives in Warren.
“They should live in Hamtramck to know what’s the problem in Hamtramck,” said Hamtramck resident Husam Al Salami.
“It is important to have council members who understand the community and actually live here,” said Hamtramck resident Paul Opalewski.
Musa is running for reelection to the council, while Mahmood is aiming to become the mayor of Hamtramck.
During last week’s city council meeting, both vehemently denied the allegations regarding their residency.
“I’m really frustrated. I’m angry. I’m not going to speak anything. I’m just going to deny the allegations,” Mahmood said.
“I am a councilman for more than a decade. I disagree with the investigation, and I will see you in court,” Musa said.
Hamtramck City Clerk Rana Faraj said background checks were done on others seeking to be on the ballot.
The city council will tackle the issue on May 13.