2016 Candidate Interview Ismael Ahmed for State Board of Education
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 31, 2016)
Novi, MI – Ismael “Ish” Ahmed is one of two Democrats running for the State Board of Education. There are two seats available, and the following people are running: Tom McMillin (R), Nikki Snyder (R), Ish Ahmed (D), John Austin (D), Scotty Boman (L), Bill Hall(L), Karen Adams (U), Douglas Levesque (U), Derek M. Grigsby (G), Sherry A. Wells (G) and Mary Anne Hering (W).
When asked why he is running, Ahmed said “I’ve been involved in education issues my entire life. I have five children and six grandchildren all who went to public schools. I believe public schools are under attack. And that is an area that I want to put my time into. I have been the head of the Michigan Department of Human Services. I started one of the largest immigrant organizations in the country. I have worked with young people at the University of Michigan Dearborn in a leadership position. But education really is the way forward for working people. Without it really they don’t have much of a chance. And so I want to put the rest of my time trying to make the education system here in Michigan a powerful education system. Right now we’re 49th per capita per student in the country. Education is not a priority. Our funding formulas are out of whack. Many of our schools are in trouble. We don’t have equal education in Michigan. And I want to fight for that.”
In his interview with OC 115, Ahmed talked about using the Board of Education as a bully pulpit to organize people around issues.  He spoke of his experience with unions and immigrant groups and poverty issues, and about the need for increased funding to education.  He also talked about his experience as the head of Michigan Department of Human Services and how he was able to increase resources to help children in need of foster care.

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Learn more about this candidate’s campaign at http://ismaelforboard.com/.
Note:  Our apologies for mis-spelling Mr. Amed’s name.  This has been corrected where possible.